Culver City Observer -

Donation Strengthens Emergency Response Efforts

Culver City will be safer thanks to a $33,000 grant from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company for new high-rise hose packs.

High-rise hose packs are essential for fighting fires in multi-story buildings, large apartment complexes, and large buildings such as malls and other shopping centers. Specifically, this grant will enable the department to replace existing hose packs that are more than 20 years old.

The hose packs include hose, nozzles, and other critical hardware used to connect to water supply systems. Additionally, the new hose packs are compatible with equipment used by other departments in the area, allowing for effective mutual aid assistance at large incidents.

“It’s critical that our firefighters have the equipment needed to provide the best service possible to the community,” said Assistant Chief Dave White. “We are very thankful for this grant, which helps us keep the community and our firefighters safe.”

Culver City Fire Department officials, firefighters, and executives from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and Fireman’s Fund were present for the presentation on Tuesday at the Culver City Fire Department Headquarters.

The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. This year, Fireman’s Fund celebrates its 150^th anniversary. Founded with a social mission to support the fire service,

Fireman’s Fund now awards grants to fire service organizations for life-saving equipment, firefighter training and community education programs. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has awarded grants to more than 1,900 different organizations totaling more than $30 million – including more than $8.5 million in California.

Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.

Through this program, Arthur J. Gallagher has directed more than $1 million in grants to fire departments nationwide.

“Budget constraints make it difficult for fire departments to purchase all the equipment and tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Maria King, area executive vice president and chief operating officer of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

“We are proud to support firefighters and know that the whole community will benefit from this donation.”