Hero Fund America Fund Awards Grants in Support of First Responders

Hero Fund America Fund, a field-of interest fund of The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, has announced its 2019 grants intended to increase awareness, advocacy and support for fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and law enforcement agencies in New York and other states.

The fund’s 2019 grants include the following recipients:

• $500 to the City of Newberry Fire Department in Newberry, FL to facilitate in-house and off-site life support training for fire staff
• $1,000 to the Otter Lake Fire Department in the Town of Forestport to purchase wild land firefighting equipment to further enhance the department’s utility task vehicle for rural fire response
• $500 to the South Minden Volunteer Fire Department near Fort Plain to assist with purchasing communication equipment and reflective gear

Hero Fund America Fund was founded in partnership with Hero Fund America, Inc., by Garth Roberts of Sharon Springs. Inspired by the selfless and heroic efforts of first responders during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, Roberts initiated the Provincetown First Responders Appreciation Month, honoring 45 Boston EMS paramedics, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers and their families. The success of this project resulted in the formation of Hero Fund America. Roberts was honored with a special citation from Boston EMS for his efforts in response to the Boston Marathon tragedy.

“There will come a time in everyone’s life when they will require the services of a first responder,” said Roberts. “Anyone who has ever been involved in an emergency situation knows what it feels like when help finally arrives. There is not a more selfless public service profession than that of a first responder. Hero Fund America Fund recognizes the courageous acts of first responders and will continue to support these everyday heroes with the education, training and life-saving equipment they need, in perpetuity.”

Since the fund’s inception in 2016, Hero Fund America Fund has awarded eight grants, totaling $4,200, to further the needs of first responders.

“Hero Fund America pays tribute to emergency response organizations and their selfless, inspiring first responders in a unique way,” said Alicia Dicks, president/CEO of The Community Foundation. “We are honored that The Community Foundation can help Garth Roberts and Hero Fund America fulfill a truly worthwhile mission.”