AFD given grant to buy rescue equipment

• Fire department grant

Echo Press photo by Jo Colvin The Alexandria Fire Department was presented with a grant donation from Linda White of Allianz Life Insurance Company. The department used the grant to purchase a hydraulic ram and cribbing. Pictured with White are (left to right) Bill Thoennes, fireman, Shane Schmidt, fire chief, and Jeff Karrow, firefighter. The hydraulic ram, displayed by Thoennes, is a rescue tool. The cribbing stabilizes vehicles to assist in rescue efforts.

Talk about it

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America recently announced a $6,381 grant donation to the Alexandria Fire Department.

The grant is part of the employee-directed Bucket Brigade grant through the Allianz Heritage Program.

Allianz planned to present the official check to Fire Chief Shane Schmidt on September 14.

The department will use the grant to purchase rescue equipment including a hydraulic ram and a cribbing system, which will help the volunteer fire department protect and serve the Alexandria community.

Allianz employee Linda White nominated the department where she grew up. White, other Allianz employees, and members of the community will be on hand to commemorate the event.

The Allianz Bucket Brigade is an employee-driven program to support the fire service. Allianz employees across America can support their own communities by nominating a fire department for grants, and by performing volunteer work.

Each quarter, employees submit nominations to a special committee, which reviews each nomination and then selects which organizations will receive a grant.

The company is making $50,000 available each quarter for Bucket Brigade grants.

Tags: fire department, allianz life insurance company, news, alexandria