Allianz and InSource Provide Lifesaving Equipment to Vincennes Fire Department
April 9, 2009 - Back to Deck's Page
Allianz and InSource Provide Lifesaving Equipment
to Vincennes Fire Department
Department to use $10,000 Grant for Thermal Imaging Cameras 
Minneapolis – April 9, 2009 – Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz), a leading innovator of financial solutions for consumers who want protection, income, and the guidance of a trusted financial professional, today announced the first Field Marketing Organization (FMO) - directed grant through the Allianz HeritageSM Rewards program. The first grant will be a $10,831 donation to the Vincennes Fire Department, in Vincennes, Ind. InSource, Inc. the Indianapolis-based FMO that nominated the fire department for this grant, will present the check to Fire Chief Mike Lankford during a special event at the Vincennes Fire Department on April 9.
The Vincennes Fire Department will use the grant to purchase two T4 Bullard Thermal Imaging cameras, allowing firefighters to 'see' through smoke - finding victims faster, identifying the origin of the fire earlier, and detecting structural dangers posing major risks to them.
The department protects a community that is dissected by train tracks into four quadrants. Since there are more than 80 trains running through the town every day, Vincennes maintains four fire stations to provide services regardless of the train activity. “More than once we have needed a thermal imaging camera in two places at once. Teams have raced across town to provide services only to be delayed up by a train,” said Mike Lankford Fire Chief, Vincennes Fire Department. “To protect our growing population, we need to have a thermal imaging camera at each station. This grant from InSource, Inc. and Allianz will help us get closer to achieving that goal.”
InSource, Inc. is a family-owned firm located in Indianapolis, Indiana. It markets annuity and life insurance products for Allianz and other select carriers through representatives who value professional assistance. Their accounts range from sole practitioners to institutions such as banks, credit unions, and broker-dealer firms. “We are pleased that our partnership with Allianz has enabled us to make this grant possible,” said Deck McCormick, InSource, Inc. “I grew up in Vincennes and wanted to give back to a community that has given so much to me.”
In addition to providing grants to fire departments nationwide to ensure firefighters have the tools they need to protect and serve their communities, this program enables Allianz-affiliated FMOs and agents to strengthen their relationships in core communities. “Allianz is committed to supporting its distribution force with value-added programs that enable them to highlight all aspects of their brand, including their commitment to community,” said Eric Thomes, senior vice president of sales, Allianz. “The Allianz Heritage Rewards program allows us to do so while providing life-saving support to those in need.”
The Allianz Heritage Rewards program enables Allianz-affiliated FMOs to direct grants, starting at $5,000, to fire departments in the communities where they live and work. The Heritage Rewards program is a key component of the overall Allianz Heritage program, which is an extension of the acclaimed Fireman’s Fund Heritage® program, started in 2004 by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. Both Allianz and Fireman’s Fund are subsidiaries of Allianz SE, a global financial services company based in Munich, Germany. For more information on the program, please visit: www.AllianzHeritage.com
About Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Founded in 1896 and based in Minneapolis, Allianz provides fixed and variable annuities, life insurance policies, and long-term care insurance products in the United States. Allianz products are offered through a nationwide network of independent distribution. The company is part of Allianz SE, a global financial services group that is the 14th largest company in the world based on sales, profits, assets and market value. Allianz SE employs more than 177,000 people worldwide.