VESTAVIA HILLS FIRE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION

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Supporting those who Serve

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department Foundation exists as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Vestavia Hills Fire Department, its brave firefighters, their families, and the community at large. The Foundation's mission is deeply rooted in the principles of Benevolence, Education and Training, and Community Engagement.

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

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FROM IDEA TO REALITY: THE EVOLUTION OF VESTAVIA HILLS FIRE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Foundation launches to support the Vestavia Hills Fire Department

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL – [October 5, 2023] – The Vestavia Hills Fire Department Foundation proudly announces the establishment of a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Vestavia Hills Fire Department, its brave firefighters, their families, and the community at large. The Foundation's mission is deeply rooted in the principles of Benevolence, Education and Training, and Community Engagement.

Thank you to the Vestavia Hills Sunrise Rotary Club for their initial support in creating the Foundation. The Rotary Club's support was essential in getting the foundation off the ground, and it continues to be a valuable partner in our work to improve the health and well-being of the community.

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department Foundation comes to life as a beacon of support and solidarity, recognizing the vital role played by the dedicated men and women of the Vestavia Hills Fire Department. With the unwavering commitment to safeguarding our community, the firefighters put their lives on the line every day to ensure our safety. The Foundation aims to show gratitude for their selfless service and provide essential assistance where needed.

Benevolence lies at the heart of the Vestavia Hills Fire Department Foundation's mission. The organization is dedicated to assisting firefighters and their families during times of need, whether it be through financial support, resources, or emotional assistance. By fostering a culture of caring and giving, the Foundation aims to create a stronger, more resilient fire department family.

Education and Training are cornerstones of the Foundation's commitment. It recognizes that continuous learning and skill development are essential for firefighters to excel in their roles. The Foundation will support educational initiatives and training programs, ensuring that our firefighters have access to the latest knowledge and techniques in fire and emergency response.

Community Engagement is a core value for the Vestavia Hills Fire Department Foundation. The organization seeks to bridge the gap between the fire department and the community it serves. By organizing outreach programs, events, and community partnerships, the Foundation aims to enhance the connection between our firefighters and the residents of Vestavia Hills.

"The Vestavia Hills Sunrise Rotary Club is proud to initiate the Vestavia Hills Fire Department Foundation," said Steve Ammons, Past President of the Vestavia Hills Sunrise Rotary Club and Founder of the Vestavia Hills Fire Department Foundation. "We recognize the incredible dedication and sacrifice of our firefighters and believe that by creating this foundation, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and in the Vestavia Hills community as a whole."

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department Foundation invites community members, businesses, and organizations to join in their mission to support those who selflessly protect us. Donations and contributions are gratefully accepted and will directly benefit the firefighters and their families.

For more information about the Vestavia Hills Fire Department Foundation, including how to donate and get involved, please visit www.vhfdf.org or contact vhfdfoundation@gmail.com.

Media Contact: Alli McGill, President, Vestavia Hills Fire Department Foundation vhfdfoundation@gmail.com or 205-613-4442.

INTERVIEW WITH VESTAVIA HILLS FIRE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION DIRECTOR

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department Foundation recently announced its establishment as a nonprofit initiative supporting the city’s firefighters, paramedics and other first responders.

Launched by the Vestavia Hills Sunrise Rotary Club, the foundation is designed to help first responders and their families in times of need and pay tribute to those who put their lives at risk every day to protect the residents of Vestavia Hills.

The organization will provide firefighters with financial support, emotional assistance and other resources.

The initiative was spearheaded by Steve Ammons, a former Vestavia Hills councilman and Jefferson County commissioner who now is CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance.

“The Vestavia Hills Sunrise Rotary Club is proud to initiate the Vestavia Hills Fire Department Foundation,” Ammon said in a written statement. “We recognize the incredible dedication and sacrifice of our firefighters and believe that by creating this foundation, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and in the Vestavia Hills community as a whole.”

A longtime supporter of the Vestavia Hills police and fire departments, Ammons explained that the genesis of the foundation dates back to the First Responders Celebration event held each summer beginning in the 1990s.

Following his eight years on the City Council, Ammons was asked by then police Chief Danny Rary to assist with developing a benevolence fund for the Police Department, which led to the establishment of the Vestavia Hill Police Foundation.

The success of the police foundation caught the attention of Vestavia Hills fire Chief Marvin Green, who is a fellow Sunrise Rotary Club member. After several discussions about creating a benevolence fund for Vestavia firefighters and first responders, Green gave Ammons the go-ahead to get the project launched.

“He finally came to me a couple of months ago and said, ‘We’re ready to do it,’” Ammons said. “So I sat down on a Sunday afternoon and got everything developed and by Monday it was done, and a couple of weeks later we got the determination letter for the 501 [nonprofit] status.”

The foundation was launched with a $25,000 donation from an anonymous benefactor, as well as a $500 contribution from Ammons and his wife. Ammons added that the foundation is working to develop a fundraising strategy and other financial-control plans to ensure its long-term success.

Ammons is encouraging the 100-plus employees of the Vestavia Hills Fire Department to contribute to the foundation regularly to help a colleague if and when the time comes.

“The best part is that the firefighters get to choose whether they want to payroll deduct, so instead of passing the hat if they want to support maybe a future need that they may have or one of their sisters or brothers, they could go ahead and payroll deduct, and if it’s $10 a month that adds up,” Ammons said. “I calculated if every firefighter did $10 and all of them did it over a year, that is almost $26,000.”

For more information about the Vestavia Hills Fire Department Foundation, go online to vhfdf.org.

Vestavia Hills fire medic Chris Slavich hits the sled during the department’s bi-annual job task training at the Vestavia Hills and Rocky Ridge joint fire training facility on Oct. 11.

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