Emerald Mountain

Emerald Mountain VFD receives grant for emergency warning equip.

Oct 05, 2007

by Mary Ann Klatt

The Emerald Mountain Volunteer Fire Department's fire district now has two emergency weather sirens purchased with a Heritage Grant used in conjunction with a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant, and a $2,000 donation from the Emerald Mountain HOA.

The sirens are activated by a signal from the county 911 Emergency Management Office and allow the fire department to provide warning sfor hazardous weather conditions such as fires, floods, chemical spills, and other types of emergencies.

The EMVFD officially received the Heritage Grant for $6,355 from Harmon, Dennis, and Bradshaw, Inc. and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company on April 18, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the Emerald Mountain VFD Station on Old Ware Road.

EMVFD Fire Chief Eric Parten said, "These sirens are strategically located to ensure coverage of the entire district, which includes two major sub-divisions, farms, single family dwellings, several churches, and one school. We are grateful that Harmon, Dennis, and Bradshaw, Inc. and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company have recognized a vital need of our department and community."

Brian Richards, Fireman's Fund District Manager from Atlanta, and Barrie Harmon of Harmon, Dennis, and Bradshaw, Inc. presented a check for $6,355 to EMVFD Assistant Fire Chief Mike Hamil. Danny Perry with Fireman's Fund came from New YOrk for the presentation. Barry Mask, state representative for House District 31 and a resident of Emerald Mountain, also attended the presentation.

"Our agency recognizes the lack of funding for fire departments across the country," said Barrie Harmon. "We are delighted to support local fire departments and their efforts to educate the community about fire safety as well as protect the district during hazardous weather conditions."

The Fireman's Fund Heritage program is the company's philanthropic mission to support firefighters for safer communities. Grants are awarded for needed equipment, firefighter training, and community education programs. Since the program was created in 2004, Fireman's Fund has awarded millions of dollars in grants to local fire departments, national firefighter organizations, and non-profit fire and burn prevention organizations across the country.

The grant possibility was discovered by Mike Elmore, who found out about it from a local Fireman's Fund representative. Fire Chief Eric Parten and then president of the fire board Charles Kaysing did most of the paperwork; Kaysing also spent a lot of time e-mailing and talking with the Fireman's Fund people in Chicago and New York. Current EMVFD Board President Roger Bush finished off the project with setting up the presentation and taking care of other details.

The EMVFD shared the grant with the Montgomery Fire Department which also received a check for $6,355. That department had their own presentation in Montgomery. The Montgomery Fire Department got their grant to purchase Freddy the Fire Truck, which is a remote control public educational robot that has components consisting of an integrated sound system, voice modifier and water squirter. It is an interactive tool that educates kids, teachers, and parents about fire safety.

Harmon, Dennis, and Bradshaw, Inc. provides risk management and insurance services and solutions to commercial clients. By focusing on personal service and giving attention to each of their clients' needs, the company becomes their client's risk management team.

Fireman's Fund Insurance Company was founded in 1863 with a mission to support the fire service. It is a premier property and casualty insurance company that provides personal, commercial, and specialty insurance products nationwide.