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It is the lifeline for any crew battling a fire. B ...
July 5, 2007
It is the lifeline for any crew battling a fire. But in the City of Meriden, the fire hose on their engines is old, outdated and increasingly unreliable. To ensure firefighters have the proper equipment, Webster Insurance and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company are donating $26,460 to the City of Meriden Department of Fire Services for thousands of feet of new, dependable hose. Fire Chief James Trainor says most of the department's current hose is at least 18 years old. Every year, more and more sections have to be thrown out because of leaks and normal wear and tear, which can pose a danger to firefighter safety. If a section of supply hose, which carries water from the hydrant to the engine, fails during a fire, crews inside the building will only have what water is left in the tank of the truck. That total is typically not more than 500 gallons, which can run dry in less than three minutes. Meriden Fire Department will purchase 4,900 feet of new hose with the grant money, enough to replace the supply hose on all five main engines. "Our current hose has been around for two decades and it's time for it to retire," said Chief Trainor. "This donation will ensure our firefighters have the most durable hose available to safely battle fires around the city."Mayor Mark Benigni, Chief Trainor, Meriden firefighters, local dignitaries, and representatives from Webster Insurance and Fireman's Fund will come together for a special event where the grant package will be presented: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at Meriden Fire Dept., Station 1, 168 Chamberlin Hwy., Meriden, CT at 4:30 p.m.
"In order to effectively do their jobs, Meriden firefighters deserve to be working with the newest and best equipment available," said John Queirolo, president and CEO of Webster Insurance. "We're pleased to be able to help the community in such an important way, knowing this grant will make a substantial difference in the department's response to local emergencies."
The grant package is part of a nationwide program called Fireman's Fund HeritageSM which is funded by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire departments. Since 2004, Fireman's Fund has issued grants to hundreds of different departments totaling more than $13 million. Independent insurance agencies that sell Fireman's Fund products are able to direct these grants to support fire stations in their communities. Webster Insurance, headquartered in Meriden, was instrumental in supporting this specific grant for the Meriden Fire Department.
About Webster Insurance Webster Insurance is one of the largest independent insurance agencies in southern New England and among the top 50 nationwide. For more than 75 years, Webster Insurance has been dedicated to providing cost-effective insurance, employee benefits, risk management and financial services for its clients. For more information, visit www.websterinsurance.com.
About Fireman's Fund Founded in 1863, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal, commercial and specialty insurance products nationwide. Fireman's Fund is a member of the Allianz Group (NYSE: AZ), one of the world's largest providers of insurance and other financial services. For more information, visit: www.firemansfund.com.
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