Newsworthy
MONTECITO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT RECEIVES GRANT TO PREVENT WILDFIRES
Brush Abatement Targeted with $25,000 Grant Package; Funding Enables Project to Continue Despite Budget Cuts
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2009) – Like most fire departments across the state, the Montecito Fire Protection District operates on a limited budget yet still faces ongoing needs to fund key programs and purchase new equipment. Momentous Insurance Brokerage, Inc. is teaming up with Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company to award the fire district a $25,182 grant to support wildfire prevention efforts and brush clearing in southern Santa Barbara County.
Fire Chief Kevin Wallace said the grant money will specifically be used to fill a budget shortfall in funding for the district’s annual brush clearing efforts. Annually, the district spends about $130,000 on brush clearing, but had to reduce funding to $100,000 this year.
“This grant package helps supplement our current budget and allows us to maintain our current level of brush clearing efforts in the district,” said Chief Wallace. “With this money, we’ll get a solid two weeks of brush and tree work within a very critical wildland area in Santa Barbara County.”
"Wildfires are one of the biggest dangers facing communities and homeowners around Santa Barbara,” said Grace Neumann with Momentous Insurance Brokerage. “This funding will ensure the fire district has the money it needs to reduce the risk of fire and keep the region as safe as possible. Montecito firefighters are extremely proactive when it comes to brush clearance, which is obviously of great concern to the community.”
Chief Wallace, Montecito firefighters, and executives from Momentous Insurance Brokerage and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company will come together for a special ceremony where the grant package will officially be presented:
Date / Time: Location:
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009 Montecito Fire Protection District
11:00 a.m. 595 San Ysidro Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA
“With the news of being awarded this grant money,” said Fire Marshal Jim Langhorne, “it was like a gift from heaven.”
The grant package is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire departments. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to over 1,500 different departments totaling more than $24 million. Independent insurance agencies that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like Momentous Insurance Brokerage, are able to direct these grants to support fire stations in their communities. Momentous Insurance Brokerage is committed to supporting the communities it serves and regularly donates to local charities.
Watch our 20 second clip on the Santa Barbara news