3M has rewarded the heroic efforts of the fire community with a $25,000 donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). The donation was presented Sept. 15 on behalf of 3M's Visibility and Insulation Solutions business, as part of an ongoing Firefighter Appreciation Program.

This past February, in an effort to give back to firefighters, 3M Scotchlite reflective material, launched a Firefighter Appreciation Program. For every proof of purchase on a National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) compliant set of turn-out gear with Scotchlite reflective material fire coat trim, 3M donated a percentage of the proceeds to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. At the culmination of the program in August, 3M raised $25,000.

“The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is very pleased to have this opportunity to team with 3M”

"Thanks to the overwhelming response from fire departments across the country, 3M was able to make its goal of raising $25,000 for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation," said Brian McGinley, business director, 3M Visibility and Insulation Solutions, who presented the donation at the International Association of Fire Chiefs show. "3M has been providing the United States Fire Services with Scotchlite reflective material products for more than 25 years and will continue to honor their courageous efforts by extending this program into next year."

"The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is very pleased to have this opportunity to team with 3M," said Chief Ronald Jon Siarnicki, executive director, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. "Due to 3M's commitment to help make the fire service community safer, this relationship has the opportunity for great success. Our thanks to 3M for stepping up to the plate in support of the NFFF and our fire service survivor programs."

Scotchlite reflective material fire coat trim is a premium, high-performing reflective component used by firefighters worldwide. The trims are used when manufacturing NFPA compliant turn-out gear and help enhance the visibility of firefighters. The products are available in different formats, such as sew on, pressure sensitive adhesives, and heat transfers. They also are available in solid colors or multicolored triple trim (red/orange or lime/yellow).

About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. Its mission is to honor and remember America's fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives. With the support of fire and life safety organizations, the Foundation has launched a major initiative to reduce firefighter deaths. Its goal is to reduce line-of-duty firefighter deaths by 25 percent in 5 years.

Under a Department of Justice grant, the Foundation offers training to help fire departments handle a line-of-duty death. Departments receive extensive pre-incident planning support. Immediately after a death, a Chief-to-Chief Network provides technical assistance and personal support to help the department and the family.

For more information on survivor benefits, Foundation programs and other resources available through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, please visit http://www.firehero.org.

About 3M

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the people of 3M use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

Scotchlite, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

Cohn & WolfeJason LaDuca, 212-798-9780jason_laduca@cohnwolfe.comor3M, St. PaulColleen Harris, 651-733-1566