NEWS & EVENTS

Smith Brothers teams up to donate $15,000 to Glastonbury Fire Department

The Glastonbury Volunteer Fire Department responds to more than 100 motor vehicle accidents per year on state highways, and now through a $15,000 donation, the department will be purchasing high visibility safety vests or jackets for all 130 of their members.

Smith Brothers and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company teamed up to award the $15,000 grant. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation has mandated that all first responders, as of November 1, 2008, responding to an emergency incident on a highway must wear a high visibility safety vest or jacket. 

“These volunteers put themselves on the line every day to protect residents of the Glastonbury community,” said Joseph B. Smith, president and CEO of Smith Brothers. “In addition to needing essential firefighting tools for their job, it’s vital they’re protected and have access to such items as safety vests.”

The grant package was presented during the 34th Annual Apple Harvest Festival with Chief Nelson and Glastonbury volunteer firefighters, local officials, Chambers of Commerce board members and executives from Smith Brothers and Fireman’s Fund taking part in the ceremony.

“With this Federal mandate in place, this grant couldn’t have come at a better time,” pointed out Glastonbury Fire Chief Matthew Nelson. “The safety of our firefighters is paramount, and these vests will make us more visible on highways, allowing us to do our jobs more effectively and efficiently while responding to vehicular accidents.”

The grant package is part of a nationwide program called the Heritage ProgramSM which is funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued over 1,000 grants totaling more than $19 million to fire departments across the country for needed equipment, training and educational tools.  Independent insurance agencies/brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like Smith Brothers, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service. 

About Smith Brothers
Smith Brothers is one of the largest independent insurance and financial service organizations in Connecticut. In business since 1971, Smith Brothers provides insurance, surety, risk management, benefits, and financial services to individuals and businesses.