LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- The Arkansas Fallen Firefighters' Memorial, today announced it has received $10,000 as part of the Motorola Solutions Foundation's Public Safety and Security Institute.
The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions Inc. Through the grant, The Arkansas Fallen Firefighters' Memorial will launch a 24/7 fire Safety Program in 2012, when the memorial is dedicated at the Arkansas State Capitol. According to national rankings released by the U.S. Fire Administration, Arkansas ranks third in the worst safety records of fire related deaths in the United States. The national average is 13.2 deaths per million.
Arkansas rate is 26 deaths per 1 million residents. The board members of the Arkansas Fallen Firefighters' Memorial project will partner with fire service organizations and begin a unique program of orientations to visitors at the 110 seat Fire Education Amphitheater on the east side of the memorial. After the verbal orientation, a printed flyer will be given to each visitor pointing out fire safety tips, and data on how to go home and improve their, home, work and recreation safety environment and procedures.
The Motorola Solutions Foundation's Public Safety Grants aim to support safety education and training programs for first responders, their families and the general public in the United States and Canada.
"Today the Arkansas Fallen Firefighters' Memorial proudly announces a Fire Education Partnership with the Motorola Solutions Foundation. The danger of fire deaths and injuries is a constant threat and a nation sorrow for the State of Arkansas. Arkansas ranks third on the national scale of worst deaths ratings per 100,000 residents. Number 1 is District of Columbia. Mississippi is number two. Death by fire frequently strikes our elderly citizens and very young children. In a public safety program with the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the members of the Arkansas Fire Service will reach out to all visitors at the soon to be constructed Firefighters Memorial on the State Capitol grounds by giving fire safety orientations at the 110 seat Fire Education Amphitheater. In addition, a joint fire education committee will explore new ways to take an aggressive plan of action to the young people of Arkansas. The bench line of data will begin on dedication day in 2012. Facts about Arkansas fires and fire death will be studied to find the best possible methods to reduce this shameful fire safety rating. Together, with the Motorola Solutions Foundation, we must do it and we can do it." Johnny Reep, IFFM Chairman
This program hopes to reach over 225,000 school children, families, and staff statewide, whether it is at the AFF Memorial or in their own community.
"Aligning with Motorola Solutions' purpose to helps people be their best in the moments that matter, the Motorola Solutions Foundation is honored to support first responders and their families through program funding that bolster safety and education," said Matt Blakely, director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. "Through the Public Safety Grants, we partner with programs like Arkansas Fallen Firefighters' Memorial to ensure first responders have access to the necessary tools and resources they need to succeed."
Through the Public Safety and Security Institute, the Motorola Solutions Foundation serves as an investor, convener and global activator on issues that affect the safety of communities and security of countries worldwide, providing leadership in the sector to drive innovation and grow and engage the network of those interested in these issues.
About The Arkansas Fallen Firefighters' Memorial The Arkansas Fallen Firefighters' Memorial has secured 98% of the funding to build a memorial on the Arkansas State Capitol grounds. This memorial will be a place of reflection, remembrance, and education. Groundbreaking is schedule for 2012.