The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has established a fund to aid individual volunteer firefighters and their families who have been impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

The NVFC Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund, working through NVFC state member fire associations in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, will identify volunteer firefighters who are seeking assistance. The goal of the Fund is to provide volunteer firefighters with up to $250 in assistance to meet essential needs during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

"Many volunteer firefighters in the Gulf region have lost their homes and belongings and the NVFC stands with them during their time of need," said Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. "So many of the overwhelmed areas rely heavily on volunteer emergency responders and it is the NVFC's goal to provide a stipend to the volunteer firefighters who have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina."

The names of eligible volunteer firefighters will be gathered by the respective state fire associations and submitted to NVFC and checks will be issued on a first come, first served basis.

Volunteer firefighters in need should contact:

Alabama State Firefighters Association - Bill Bullman (251) 454-3816 or billbulman2002@yahoo.com

Louisiana State Firemen's Association - Aubrey Boudreaux (337) 923-6890 or jamboud@teche.net

Mississippi Firefighters Association - Contact your local county fire coordinator and have them get in touch with Larry Barr at (888) 900-7414

Contributions to the Fund can be made online at www.nvfc.org or can be mailed to:

NVFC Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund
P.O. Box 222061
Chantilly, VA 20153-2061

Contributions are tax-deductible. NVFC is donating administrative costs associated with the Fund to ensure that 100% of the contributions reach volunteer firefighters in need.

The NVFC has also established the NVFC Emergency Relief Fund to aid volunteer and combination fire departments for equipment and facility repair and replacement (See related TFW Story).
Additional information about this Fund can also be found on the NVFC website at www.nvfc.org.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is a non-profit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services. Established in 1976, the NVFC serves as the information source regarding legislation, standards and regulatory issues.