X2 Partners with NFFF on 50 Stair Climbs
X2 All-Natural Energy Drink announced a multi-year, multi-faceted partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) that includes sponsorship of 50 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs across the nation. Additionally, X2 will donate to the NFFF a portion of the proceeds from every can of X2 sold over the next year. They are also challenging consumers to get involved by joining the “Be Xtraordinary Challenge,” a virtual stair climb for those unable to participate in local climbs. To join the challenge, consumers are asked to post pictures of themselves climbing a set of stairs on their social media platforms using #BEXTRAORDINARY and then go to the NFFF website to donate.
Every year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation hosts 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs in memory of the 343 FDNY firefighters killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Participants in each 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb walk the equivalent of the 110 stories at the World Trade Center. Venues for the Memorial climbs include Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI, Red Rocks in Aurora, CO, and Madison Square Garden in New York City.
“We are proud to honor the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation by helping to raise funds that support families the organization works with, as well as build awareness among new communities,” said Jon London, chief marketing officer, X2 Energy Drink. “Firefighters, like all first responders, are America’s everyday heroes. To be a part of the country’s best and bravest each firefighter needs to meet the physical demands of the job. Given our mission to develop natural energy products that support a healthy, active lifestyle, partnering with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation on the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs makes perfect sense.”
Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF added, “The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is not just committed to remembering those who have fallen. We provide resources to their families to assist in rebuilding their lives and to help communities reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. We thank X2 for their generous donation.”
For details on stair climbs in your area, visit 9-11stairclimb.org or firehero.org.
Pierce Opens Cutting-Edge Training Center
Pierce Manufacturing Inc. has opened a newly expanded, cutting-edge training facility. The Pierce Training Center supports continued investments in production process efficiencies, technology advancements, product innovation, and quality control. Pierce’s new training center in Appleton, WI, reinforces the company’s continuous effort to provide the highest quality apparatus in the fire service industry.
New team members are introduced to the Pierce culture of “people first” and brought up to speed as they learn critical, on-the-job skills. Additionally, tenured team members participate in sessions to strengthen their skills and become more efficient in their existing job, or to develop skills that will support career advancement.
“Pierce has not been immune to the labor shortage many manufacturers across the United States have faced in recent years,” said Jim Johnson, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “We know how important it is to support new and tenured team members in order to provide the best workplace experience and ultimately produce the highest quality apparatus. We’ve seen first-hand how beneficial a robust training program can be for our overall efficiency, employee acquisition, and retention rates.”
Originally established nearly two decades ago, Pierce’s training programs have evolved into a curriculum created and facilitated by product platform and technology experts. In addition, company retirees dedicate time to pass important knowledge on to younger generations.
To learn more about Pierce Manufacturing and the company’s team members, visit piercemfg.com/careers.
Ground Broken on NV Fallen Firefighter Memorial
The Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada recently held a groundbreaking event for the new Nevada Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the Capital Complex in Carson City, NV. This memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to the men and women of the fire service who gave their lives to protect their fellow Nevadans.
“We thank everyone who joined us to celebrate and commemorate the groundbreaking of this memorial,” said Angelo Aragon, president of Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada. “This memorial would not be possible without the generous contributions from our locals, the community and a handful of incredible organizations. We look forward to unveiling the finished piece in the fall of 2019, which will become a place that families, friends, Nevada residents and tourists alike can come to remember and honor those we have lost.”
Renowned artist Austin Weishel has been commissioned to construct the exhibit, which will include five life-size bronze firefighter statues, surrounded by fire emblazoned walls with the names of the fallen.
For more information on the Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada, visit pffn.org.
This Month in Fire History
July 1, 1998, Hackensack, NJ—Auto dealer fire kills five firefighters
July 4, 2002, Gloucester City, NJ—Residential roof collapse kills 3 firefighters
July 5, 1973, Kingman AZ—Doxol Gas Co. fire kills 12 firefighters
July 6, 1944, Hartford, CT—Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus tent fire kills 168
July 6, 1994, Glenwood Springs, CO—South Canyon Mountain fire kills 14 firefighters
July 9, 1953, Mendocino National Forest, CA—Forest fire kills 15 firefighters
July 23, 1984, Romeoville, IL—Union Oil refinery fire kills 17; losses worth $177 million
July 24, 1931, Pittsburgh, PA—Little Sisters of the Poor home for the aged fire kills 48
July 26, 1990—Americans with Disabilities Act passes, greatly affecting safety codes
July 28, 1945, New York, NY—Fire after B-25 crash into Empire State Building kills 14
July 29, 1956, Sun Ray, TX—Shamrock Oil & Gas corp. refinery fire kills 19 firefighters
— Courtesy of NFPA
Firehouse Staff
Content written and created by Firehouse Magazine editors.
