Sarasota Fire Department to Receive $20,000 Grant for Sarasota Opera House

Marking $1 million in grants awarded by Fireman's Fund to fire departments in Florida, the Sarasota County Fire Department is receiving $20,000 to purchase smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher training system that will be used to teach local residents how to safely and effectively use fire extinguishers. The grant is awarded by National Trust Insurance Services (NTIS) and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.

In addition to enabling firefighters to provide hands-on fire extinguisher training to the public, the funds will also purchase dual-technology smoke detectors. These detectors offer the highest rate of reliability and will be distributed to community members lacking the financial means to purchase this critical life-saving device.

The Sarasota Opera informed National Trust Insurance Services about the fire department's need.

"We work to provide the best service possible to the people of Sarasota County, and this grant supports these efforts," said Fire Chief Mike Tobias. "We appreciate this contribution and commend Fireman's Fund and its agencies -- such as National Trust Insurance Services -- for all their efforts to support the fire service in Florida."

"As we celebrate our company's 150th anniversary this year, we also look to the future. With this grant, we are honored to support initiatives that help firefighters overcome the modern challenges they face," added Lori Fouché, CEO of Fireman's Fund. "We are pleased to celebrate this important milestone of our grant program with National Trust Insurance Services."

Sarasota Fire Department officials, firefighters, elected officials and executives from Maury, Donnelly & Parr, Inc. and Fireman's Fund will come together for a special public event where the milestone grant will be celebrated and fire extinguisher training will be demonstrated on Thursday, May 23rd, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL.

The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. This year, Fireman's Fund celebrates its 150th anniversary. Founded with a social mission to support the fire service, Fireman's Fund today 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 $1 million in Florida. Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman's Fund products, like National Trust Insurance Services, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.

Through this program, National Trust Insurance Services has directed over $90,000 in grants to fire departments nationwide.

"The foundation of a safer community begins with education," said Brian Phoebus of Maury, Donnelly & Parr. "This technology will play a critical role in ensuring the safety of Sarasota County residents."

To learn more about the grant program and other grants awarded in Florida, visit www.firemansfund.com/heritage. To learn more about the rich history of Fireman's Fund visit www.firemansfund.com/timeline or www.firemansfund.com/film.

National Trust Insurance Services, LLC is the nation's leading insurance agency specifically designed to offer comprehensive insurance solutions to historic property owners and preservation organizations. NTIS, administered by Maury, Donnelly & Parr, is a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It was created in 2003 to address the growing issues regarding proper insurance for historic property owners and the organizations that work to protect historic resources nationwide. For additional information, visit www.nationaltrust-insurance.org.

Founded in 1863, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company is celebrating its 150th anniversary as a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal and commercial insurance products backed by industry-leading claims and risk management solutions. Fireman's Fund is a leader in high-net-worth, entertainment, and green insurance. Since 2004, the company has donated more than $30 million in grants to local fire departments across the U.S. as part of its commitment to safer communities. Fireman's Fund is a member of the Allianz Group, one of the world's largest providers of property and casualty insurance, ranked 28th on Fortune's Global 500 list of the world's largest corporations. For additional information, visit www.firemansfund.com.

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