 From the Chief... |
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Dear Friends and Neighbors, From time-to-time solicitors call asking for donations to help disabled firefighters or the widows and orphans of firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Such calls are designed to tug at the heart-strings of the public and the solicitors are not above trying to make you feel guilty for not being generous. Though tragedy does befall our industry from time-to-time we do not solicit the public for money for such purposes. It is important for you to know that the Hampshire Fire Protection District does not solicit the public for any such contributions. The only official fund raising group for our District is the Hampshire Fire and EMS Association. The Association is comprised of all of the members of our organization. The Association runs both the Brat Dinner and the Draw Down events held each year. We also support our water fight team and host the event every summer. Our events, gracious donations and memorials from our District residents help raise money to purchase tools and equipment that ordinarily are not funded through the budgetary process. The District Trustees and I are very proud of the work the Association does and their generosity to the District. The Association does not however solicit funds for firefighter benefit purposes. The majority of firefighters in the State of Illinois belong to a pension plan of some type that has provisions for disability and death benefits. This is especially true regarding line of duty deaths. We do not rely on 3rd party solicitors for such purposes. If you are contacted by anyone soliciting money from you for firefighter benefits and you question the validity of such requests, do not contribute. Better still, obtain a return number and contact me at (847) 683-2629 and we will tell you if it is in fact legitimate. Any reputable agency will be happy to provide you with a call back number while you check things out. If they don’t or you think it’s phony just hang up. The last thing we want to hear is that one of our District residents has been taken in by one of these solicitors misrepresenting your fire department. Thank you for all of the support you have given us over the years and we remain ever ready to serve you in your time of need. Our Best for a Safe and Happy New Year! Chief Curt Kramer |
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