26 Mar 2010
The NFFF Full Throttle Support campaign will benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Sweepstakes drawing for employees and dealers featured as part of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation "Full Throttle Support" program.

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced the winner of the Pierce employee and dealer sweepstakes drawing as part of an in-house NFFF Full Throttle Support initiative to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). The winner, Mark Jones, received the keys to a custom, one-of-a-kind Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Firefighter Special Edition motorcycle. Jones is vice president of sales and service for the Pierce dealership Ten-8 Fire Equipment Inc. of Bradenton, Fla., where he has sold Pierce apparatus for 23 years.

The announcement and presentation were made during the Pierce Open House to celebrate the success of the three-month long program wherein Pierce employees and its dealer organizations raised a total of $26,000. An estimated 1,800 employees and families attended the Open House at Pierce's headquarters in Appleton, Wis.

"It speaks volumes about Pierce employees - and my fellow dealers - that we've stepped up to do our part in supporting the NFFF Full Throttle Support program. I am extremely proud to be part of such a great team," said Mark Jones. "I also happen to be an avid motorcycle enthusiast, and to be awarded this beautiful motorcycle from Pierce has left me speechless. Our plan is to display and show this bike at upcoming Ten-8 shows and local events to further promote the NFFF."

The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Firefighter Special Edition motorcycle was provided through the financial support of Pritchard Chassis Corporation, a supplier of chassis components to Pierce for the company's line of custom fire apparatus.

Pritchard Chassis Corporation, a supplier of chassis components to Pierce for the company's line of custom fire apparatus, provided financial support

"The NFFF Full Throttle Support campaign to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has touched the Pierce family of employees, dealers and suppliers to such an extent that we wanted to recognize and celebrate their support and involvement," said Wilson Jones, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency. "This sweepstakes drawing and Open House is a gesture of thanks to everyone for their financial support and dedication to the NFFF as we move ahead into year two of our national program to give back to the families and loved ones of fallen firefighters."

Earlier this year, Pierce and Harley-Davidson presented a check for $135,000 to the NFFF, representing the money raised in year one of the national Full Throttle Support campaign. Year two of this program is in full swing, and individuals can donate to the NFFF and enter the 2010 sweepstakes at http://NFFF.FullThrottleSupport.com.

"Throughout the NFFF Full Throttle Support campaign we've been moved beyond words by the commitment and dedication shown by the people of Pierce, their dealers, Harley-Davidson and Oshkosh Corporation," said Ron Siarnicki, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation executive director. "Without their advocacy we would not be able to grow our programs to support the loved ones of our fallen heroes. On behalf of the NFFF and the families we serve, our heartfelt thanks for your tireless work and support."

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 and job training. Furthermore, NFFF-established peer networks offer families and coworkers essential emotional support.