The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation (AFRF) said that the “Fleet Forward” campaign has officially begun. Their goal is to give the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) more up-to-date, modern gear. They received a $500,000 start-up donation from Norfolk Southern.
‘Fleet Forward’ is a campaign that aims to raise $3 million so that the fire department can test and buy its first electric fire engine and other electric quick response vehicles. Adding new, eco-friendly and modern technology to the city’s emergency vehicles as part of this project will make service better for the people living in the area. The big gift from Norfolk Southern shows that the local business community really supports this project and they hope other local companies and the local community will also join and support this initiative.
Norfolk Southern’s President and CEO, Alan Shaw, stated their commitment to safety and eco-friendliness. He praised the ‘Fleet Forward’ campaign’s role in pushing for these goals in the AFRD. Shaw emphasized the investment as a way to support local heroes and work towards a safer Atlanta.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are often said to be easier to maintain than diesel vehicles. In 2017, Atlanta promised to be more EV-friendly and stay a star in sustainability. This upgrade is in line with that promise. If the ‘Fleet Forward’ plan works, the AFRD will be the best at fire and emergency services across Atlanta because it will be able to respond faster while being more efficient.
“At the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation, we believe that every challenge presents an opportunity for diversified solutions,” said Taos Wynn, Interim President and CEO, Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation in a press release.
“The Fleet Forward capital campaign will provide the city with the necessary blueprint and capital to significantly improve fire and emergency response through private and public support that leverages the best of innovation and sustainability in the fire industry. We deeply appreciate the support of Norfolk Southern with its generous gift on behalf of the brave fire rescue personnel and the residents of the City of Atlanta.”
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Chris Sizemore, the upcoming leader of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation, highlighted how new technology is turning traditional fire-rescue tools into more environment-friendly solutions. This effort, part of the AFRD’s campaign, complements Mayor Andre Dickens and the Atlanta City Council’s work to find extra funds through private and charitable sources, a crucial and timely task.
Mayor Dickens emphasized the need for collaboration to address climate change, praising the ‘Fleet Forward Capital Campaign’ for enhancing and modernizing AFRD’s fleet, improving cost and energy efficiency. He thanked Norfolk Southern for their donation and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation for their dedication to community health and safety.
“The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, as well as the city as a whole, deserves to be on the cutting edge of fire and emergency technology,” said Atlanta Fire Chief Roderick Smith. “With the support of Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation, our philanthropic partner, and corporate partners like Norfolk Southern, Atlanta’s firefighters are one step closer to obtaining the industry-leading resources they deserve to best protect and serve our residents, visitors, communities, and businesses.”