[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22497]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO THE FIREMAN'S FUND INSURANCE COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2008

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, the recent wave of wildfires that have 
swept across California has brought brave firefighters from the state 
and around the country together to halt the spread of destruction and 
loss of life. Those who have courageously risked their lives to save 
others from fires, as well as those who support these courageous first 
responders by providing them with the resources they need, deserve our 
highest praise and support. That's why I am proud to rise today to 
recognize the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company of Novato, which is 
headquartered in my Congressional District, for their contributions to 
public safety and their commitment to the American fire service.
  Fireman's Fund was founded in 1863 to support our Nation's 
firefighters, and in 2004 they launched the Fireman's Fund Heritage 
program, a forward thinking initiative that has awarded millions of 
dollars in grants each year to help firefighters prepare for threats to 
our communities. The grants are used for needed equipment, firefighter 
training, and community education programs, and are awarded through the 
company's independent agencies and company employees.
  Since 2004, Fireman's Fund has generously supported more than 1,000 
fire departments in 48 states across the country. Fireman's Fund 
remains a leader in California and in my District, where it has 
provided considerable financial and volunteer assistance to a large 
number of programs that benefit my constituents and our community. Fire 
departments in California alone have received $5.5 million. On October 
7, 2008, Fireman's Fund will reach a significant milestone, having 
awarded $20 million total in grants once they provide Heath, Texas with 
a grant for community education. This is an accomplishment worth 
celebrating and commending.
  By providing modern technology to improve the health and safety of 
firefighters, Fireman's Fund is helping to make communities across the 
country safer. Madam Speaker, I'm proud to recognize Fireman's Fund for 
its strong leadership and dedication to improving firefighter health 
and safety at the local, state and national levels.

                          ____________________