[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIREMAN'S FUND INSURANCE COMPANY

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                         HON. MICHAEL G. GRIMM

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 3, 2013

  Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, on June 11, 2013 the Fireman's Fund Insurance 
Company will celebrate their 150th anniversary at the New York City 
Public Library on 42nd Street. Originally founded in San Francisco, 
California in 1863 with a mission to assist the widows and orphans of 
fallen firefighters, the Fireman's Fund grew into a national company 
with significant size operations in New York City and other locations 
throughout the United States.
   The Fireman's Fund has played an important role in New York's 
history with the company insuring, among other things, Charles 
Lindbergh's Spirit of St Louis flight from New York to Paris in 1927, 
the construction of the Radio City Music Hall during the 1930's and the 
World Heavyweight Championship Fight between Joe Frazier and Muhammad 
Ali in Madison Square Garden. More recent work of note has been the 
company's tremendous response efforts to the 9/11 World Trade Center 
Tragedies, and its excellent work in coming to the assistance of those 
who suffered damages to their homes and businesses during the 2012 
Hurricane Sandy disaster.
   Over the last eight years the Fireman's Fund Heritage Program has 
provided over $30 million in grants to Fire Departments throughout the 
nation, allowing them to purchase safety equipment and training 
services that might otherwise have gone unattended during this 
difficult time of constrained public spending. Closer to home, the 
company has given $630,000 to New York City and another $1.2 million to 
the rest of New York State. Furthermore, on June 12, 2013 at a public 
ceremony, the Fireman's Fund will present checks awarded under the 
auspices of three of its major insurance agents that total more than 
$60,000.
   New York City has always played a prominent role in the United 
States and international insurance business, and we are pleased that 
the Fireman's Fund and its affiliated companies have chosen to be in 
lower Manhattan providing quality jobs and excellent risk management 
services to America's businesses and families.
   Mr. Speaker, It is an honor to recognize the Fireman's Fund today 
and we commend the company and its employees for the valuable services 
they continue to provide. In our transitory times, 150 years is an 
impressive feat and we extend best wishes for the continued success of 
the company. May it grow and prosper, bringing with it the company's 
generous legacy of assisting the Firefighter whose daily lives are 
dedicated to our own personal safety.

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