October 16, 2017 — The Wiggins, MS, Fire Department has been named the winner of the 2017 “Step Up and Stand Out: Recognizing and Inspiring Local Fire Safety Volunteers” contest. Wiggins secured the most Facebook likes for its video, which explained the value the department provides its community.
The Step Up and Stand Out campaign is a national initiative sponsored by Kidde and Allstate Insurance Company to increase the awareness of the need for volunteer firefighters and to recognize those departments whose men and women have voluntarily put their lives at risk to keep communities safe.
The other four fire department finalists were Countryside Fire Protection District (Vernon Hills, IL), Anderson County Fire Protection District (Lawrenceburg, KY), Madray Springs Volunteer Fire Department (Jesup, GA) and Cook’s Community Volunteer Fire Department (Charlotte, NC).
“This year’s Step Up and Stand Out campaign further demonstrated the importance of volunteer firefighters and recognized their role in keeping our communities safe,” said Bryan Corder, Allstate’s Property Claims Director. “Allstate is dedicated to helping protect households across the country and it’s important that we not only recognize the brave efforts of volunteer firefighters, but also encourage others to step up and volunteer in their communities.”
Kidde and Allstate teamed up with Firehouse, the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) on the Step Up and Stand Out program. The program asked fire departments to submit videos explaining how they give back to their communities and why volunteers are important. The winner was determined by the video that had the most “likes” on Facebook.
All five finalists receive a prize package consisting of 200 Kidde smoke alarms, IAFC and VCOS Section memberships, two free admissions to Firehouse Expo, NFPA Fire Prevention Week in a Box and more. The grand prize winner will also receive a $3,000 grant, full registration to the VCOS Symposium in the Sun among other items. A check presentation to the Wiggins Fire Department will take place during the opening ceremonies of Firehouse Expo on Oct. 19, 2017.
“Firehouse is proud of its long history of educating, training, informing and celebrating the accomplishments of the fire service, and the men and women who serve,” stated Gregory Toritto, Firehouse Group Publisher. “It was a pleasure to work together with Kidde, Allstate and our partner organizations to provide so many excellent volunteer departments an opportunity to showcase their accomplishments and tell their amazing stories.”receive a prize package consisting of Kidde smoke alarms, IAFC and VCOS Section membership, two free admissions to Firehouse Expo, NFPA Fire Prevention Week in a Box and more. The grand prize winner will also receive a $3,000 grant, full registration to the VCOS Symposium in the Sun among other items.
The Wiggins Fire Department, established in 1916, provides around-the-clock fire protection for its citizens and visitors to its community. The department is staffed with a fire chief, six full-time firefighters, five part-time firefighters and 30 volunteers.
“The staff of the Wiggins Fire Department, consisting of career and volunteer firefighters, strives to protect our community through educating the public, enhancing firefighter education, and by being proactive within our community and the public service community,” said Fire Chief Jody Hatten. “The firefighters of our community have always had a deep sense of pride in striving to be the best they can, to be able to answer the call of duty, and be able to help those who are in need, no matter their needs or circumstances. Winning the Step Up and Stand Out Award is a tribute to the men and women volunteers of our department and we are thrilled and honored to receive the award.”
Learn more about the Step Up and Stand Out campaign at facebook.com/StepUpandStandOut.
About Firehouse
Firehouse is the leading fire and emergency services brand, reaching more than 1 million unique visitors and subscribers monthly, and thousands of attendees annually, via its live events and media portfolio. The Firehouse brand encompasses Firehouse Magazine, Firehouse.com, Firehouse Expo, Firehouse World, Firehouse Station Design Conference and Awards, and a host of print and digital products targeting fire and emergency services personnel. Utilizing its multiple platforms and unparalleled reach, Firehouse sets itself apart from the competition by fostering a culture that encourages innovation and the use of the latest digital and database technologies to best serve its audience and companies serving the marketplace.
