| Pierce Manufacturing and Harley-Davidson have raised $135,000 for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation |
Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, and Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, today announced that $135,000 was raised through their Full Throttle Support campaign to assist the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). A special ceremony commemorating the conclusion of this three-month campaign was held in Washington, D.C. at the DC Fire and EMS Department, Engine 3 firehouse.
"The response we've received from across the country to the Full Throttle Support campaign is beyond our expectations and we are proud to put these funds to work through the vitally important efforts of the NFFF," said Wilson Jones, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president Fire & Emergency. "We believe in and support the NFFF mission. This campaign is just one way we can honor those firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice to serve their fellow citizens."
Proceeds from sales of officially licensed Pierce and Harley-Davidson merchandise supplemented the total commitment to the NFFF. In addition, in April the Oshkosh Corporation Foundation donated a check for $25,000 to the NFFF as part of the Full Throttle Support initiative.
Attending the event were representatives from the NFFF, Harley-Davidson, Pierce, members of the Red Helmet Ride (a group of motorcycle-enthusiast firefighters and friends), dignitaries from Washington D.C. and family members of fallen firefighters.
The NFFF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that remembers and honors America's fallen firefighters by providing their survivors with a place to turn for help rebuilding their lives. Spouses and children of fallen firefighters are eligible, through NFFF, for education, scholarship assistance as well as job training. Furthermore, NFFF-established peer networks offer families and coworkers essential emotional support.
"The primary mission of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is to make a tangible difference in the lives of surviving families of these heroes," said Ron Siarnicki, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation executive director. "Without the help of organizations like Oshkosh, Pierce and Harley-Davidson, we would not be able to sustain and grow our support programs."