NASCAR driver Joey Logano speaks directly to firefighters about the importance of always using seatbelts in a public service announcement by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) that debuted at the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in Ocean City, Maryland on June 20. The video was shot in May at the headquarters of Joe Gibbs Racing in Huntersville, North Carolina. Logano, who drives the number 20 Home Depot car, was joined by firefighters from the nearby Mooresville Fire Department and Concord Fire Department. Both departments have signed the International First Responder Seatbelt Pledge.
“Motor vehicle crashes are the second-leading cause of firefighter fatalities in the United States and this PSA reminds firefighters that they can help reduce the number of preventable deaths,” said Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF. “We are very pleased to be working with Joey and Joe Gibbs Racing to bring this critical safety message to all firefighters.”
In the PSA, Logano compares the dangers and split second decision making of firefighting to what he does as a race car driver. He states that he always uses his belts and safety features in his car and can’t imagine why a firefighter wouldn’t do the same. Logano concludes the stakes are much higher for everyone when things go wrong for firefighters. “If I don’t get to the finish line I don’t win. If you don’t get to the scene everybody losses,” he says.
This is the second in a series of seatbelt PSAs produced by the NFFF for the International First Responder Seatbelt Pledge. The pledge, part of the Foundation’s Everyone Goes Home® program, makes it easier for firefighters to participate in the initiative and receive recognition for their commitment. The goal is to enroll every emergency first responder in the United States. All the information about the program, including pledge forms and supporting materials, is available through the NFFF and the Foundation’s Everyone Goes Home® website. Departments that are 100 percent compliant will be highlighted on the site. For more information go to: www.everyonegoeshome.org/seatbelts.
About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)
The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers. The NFFF also works closely with the U.S. Fire Administration to help prevent and reduce line of duty deaths and injuries. For more information on the Foundation and its programs contact us at 301-447-1365 or visit www.firehero.org.
Related:
» Wear Your Seatbelt & Sign the Pledge
