Manhattan Beach residents can learn how to safely and effectively use a fire extinguisher thanks to a $5,000 grant from Lockton Insurance Brokers, LLC and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The grant award was presented to the Manhattan Beach Fire Department on May 11 during the police and fire open house.
The $5,000 grant will be used to purchase new equipment for firefighters to teach locals the proper use of fire extinguishers as part of the department’s community education efforts, said Manhattan Beach Fire Chief Robert Espinosa.
“Many people have fire extinguishers in their homes, but rarely do they have an opportunity to practice using them,” he said. “This donation will help us bridge that gap. We really appreciate this contribution from Lockton and Fireman’s Fund and believe this training will help make our community safer.”
At the open house event, firefighters performed live fire extinguisher training using equipment purchased through the grant.
“The foundation of a safer community begins with education,” said Mark Zwickel, executive vice president of Lockton Insurance Brokers, Inc., who made the award presentation on May 11. “This training will play a critical role in ensuring the safety of Manhattan Beach residents.”
The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, through which Lockton Companies has directed more than $260,000 in grants to fire departments across the nation, according to a press release.
Grants are made to fire service organizations for either life-saving equipment, firefighter training or community education programs.
Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has given grants totaling more than $30 million, including more than $8.5 million in California, to more than 1,900 organizations, according to the release.
Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, such as Lockton Companies, are able to direct the grants to support the work of those in the fire service field.
To learn more about the grant program and other grants awarded in California, visit www.firemansfund.com/heritage.
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