FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kimberly Quiros 202-887-5700 ext. 19 [email protected] Help Volunteer Firefighters Affected by Disasters A devastating tornado hit Missouri over the weekend, drawing more than 1,500 police and firefighters from four states to search for survivors in the wreckage. This is the latest disaster to hit the U.S. in a spring filled with horrific storms, tornados, flooding, and wildfires. Throughout all of these emergencies, communities have relied on the dedication and services of emergency responders. However, often these first responders are also victims, suffering from property damage and loss along with their communities. The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund is designed to help volunteer first responders impacted by such tragedies. Volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel affected by state- or federally-declared disasters can apply for a stipend of $250 to help meet basic needs in the aftermath of the disaster. The Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund relies on the donations of individuals and organizations to assist volunteer first responders in need. Make your tax-deductible contribution to the fund at www.nvfc.org/supportfund. The NVFC donates all administrative costs associated with managing the fund, so all donations go directly to helping volunteer first responders in need. To receive a stipend, the first responder must be an active volunteer firefighter, rescue worker, or EMS provider, be from an NVFC member state as an individual or department member of the state association, live (or have housing) in a state- or federally-declared disaster area, and have incurred an uninsurable loss in excess of $5,000. Learn more and apply for disaster relief at www.nvfc.org/supportfund. Established in response to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, the Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund has to date distributed almost half a million dollars to volunteer first responders in need.