by Bea Peterson
On Wednesday, March 11, representatives from Fireman’s Fund and Marshall & Sterling Insurance Companies met with members of the Hoosick Rescue Squad to present the Squad with a grant check for $5,300 to purchase two new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to replace two outdated models. “When trying to revive a victim in cardiac arrest, every second counts so it’s crucial to have the latest technologically advanced equipment,” said Rescue Squad member Bill Gaillard.
Fireman’s Fund was founded in 1863 with a mission to support the fire service. In 2004 the Company renewed its mission to support the fire service for safer communities with the launching of their Heritage Program. Through this initiative, independent insurance agencies offering Fireman’s Fund products are able to direct grants and provide volunteer support to local fire departments. Since then they have contributed $21 million in grants to departments across the country. More than one million dollars have been granted to NYS fire departments.
Elihu (Jiggs) Geraghty of Robson & Geraghty, a Division of Marshall & Sterling Insurance, was the local contact for this grant. Tim Dean, President of Marshal & Sterling said, “We realize the recession is hitting many rural communities in upstate New York especially hard, so we’re proud to support this Rescue Squad in a tangible way.”
Fireman’s Fund Laura B. Diehl, Territorial Sales Director, told the gathering, “We were pleased to partner with Marshall & Sterling to present this grant to the Rescue Squad.” Volunteer organizations such as the Squad provide hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of volunteer hours to their communities, plus equipment, she continued. “They have a very positive impact, and we take our commitment to them for support services very seriously.”
Hoosick Rescue Squad President John May thanked the agencies for their support.
On hand to present the Rescue Squad with the check were New York City Field Vice President Robert A. Bednarik and Laura B. Diehl from Fireman’s Fund and J. Carlos “Shawn” Viana, Vice President, Director of Sales & Development, Glenville, NY, Tim Dean, CIC-CRM, President, and Jeanne Malox, Branch Manager, both from Poughkeepsie and representing Marshall & Sterling. The local representative was Jiggs Geraghty.
Bill Gaillard demonstrated the AED on the Squad’s training mannequin. The AED has a voice that describes the entire use procedure. Gaillard said the device is made so that anyone can use it. He added that CPR compressions are only 30% effective. If used within four to five minutes of a collapse, the AED can make a big difference.
The Rescue Squad served lunch to their guests after their presentation.