Firehouse Donates $20K to Nashville FD Support Group

NASHVILLE, TN (Sept. 26, 2019) – The publishers of Firehouse Magazine donated $20,000 to the Nashville Fire Buffs Box 55 organization.

Box 55 is a 501 (c) 3 created in 1952 to serve the men and women of the Nashville Fire Department. The organization provides refreshment and scene support to NFD, Metro Police, EMS and OEM. Box 55 operates 24 hour a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.

Box 55 responds to all working fires and by special request to other emergency situations such as search and rescue, SWAT, Haz-Mat, major Motor Vehicle Accidents and other extended operations.

Firehouse Magazine CEO Chris Ferrell along with Director Chief William Swann presented the donation to Box 55 President and former NFD Director Chief Buck Dozier.

“This wonderful donation from Firehouse Magazine to Box 55 is so appreciated by all of our volunteers, who work and serve the Nashville Fire Department and other first responders 365 days a year,” Dozier said. “Box 55 also is delighted to assist Firehouse Magazine in putting on the best fire convention in America the past few years. Firehouse Magazine can be assured this gift will be used exclusively for the benefit of the men and women of the Fire Service in Nashville and beyond.”

The substantial donation matches a $20,000 donation in 2018 that was the largest single donation to Box 55 at that time.

“Firehouse is pleased to be able to make this donation to Box 55 to help this volunteer organization serve the men and women of the Nashville Fire Department. Chief Swann and his department are valuable partners in putting together the training that Fire Department personnel from around the country come to Nashville to participate in,” Endeavor Business Media CEO Chris Ferrell said. “We are glad we can give back to them by helping to support the good work of Box 55."

The Nashville Fire Department along with other area agencies works closely with the organizers of Firehouse Expo to help the event be a success every year.

“Firehouse Expo is a world class event that helps us continue our mission of providing the best training to our personnel,” Director Chief William Swann said. “The added bonus is we get to show off our great city.”

Firehouse Expo 2019 will be held at the Music City Center in Nashville from October 8th through October 12th. Firehouse Expo is the leading trade show and expo for the fire industry. During the four-day event, behind the scenes tools are featured as well as training, equipment and exposure to the ideas and inspiration firefighters need to be the best, the brightest and bravest in the business.

NFD Director Chief William Swann joined Firehouse leadership during the check presentation.

“It is always a great day when the Nashville Fire Department can work with the IAFF Local 140 to secure a donation such as this one for the members of Box 55,” NFD Director Chief William Swann said. “This donation will benefit Box 55, but will also have a positive impact on all the organizations that benefit from the selfless support of these volunteers.”

As the demands and definitions of rehab continue to change, Box 55 is dedicated to changing and growing with them. The organization’s goal is to respond quickly when called and to provide rehabilitation and re-hydration to the fire department.