After hearing from fire departments across the country facing increased budget challenges, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company is sponsoring an on-line survey to gather data on the challenges faced by fire departments in different regions of the country. The results will be a comprehensive snapshot of today’s fire service, providing detailed insight and showing trends.

The 15-minute survey is open to all firefighters through March 31. To access the survey, visit www.ipsosresearch.com/FireService or log on to www.firemansfund.com/heritage web site. All members of the fire service are encouraged to participate in the survey - the more people who participate, the more thorough the results will be. The survey will:

• Collect valuable information about how the current economic situation is affecting fire departments.
• Identify equipment and resources departments are lacking.
• Educate the public about the needs of the fire service.
• Help guide and support the fire department grant program at Fireman’s Fund®.

As a thank you for taking the survey, all participants are eligible to receive one of 10 handcrafted, leather Fireman’s Fund® fire helmets, modeled after the helmets worn in the 1880s. Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company has directed grants in conjunction with its independent insurance agents and employees to fire departments across the country since 2004. The company has donated more than $21 million to more than 1,000 different fire departments.

About Fireman’s Fund
Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal and commercial insurance products nationwide. It is rated ‘AA-’ by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services. Founded in 1863 with a mission to support firefighters, Fireman’s Fund continues this effort today through its national philanthropic work. Fireman’s Fund is a member of the Allianz Group (NYSE: AZ), one of the world’s largest providers of insurance and other financial services. For more information, visit www.firemansfund.com.