FIREMAN'S RELIEF ASSOCIATION

“Fulfilling the needs of our firefighters since 1901”

 

Mission Statement:

Our organization strives to provide help socially, financially and spiritually to those unfortunate sick and injured members and provide assistance to their families in case of death.  We focus on benevolence in times of distress, benefits in times of need and fellowship among firefighters in all times, good and bad. 

 

A brief history of the Fireman’s Relief Association:

 

In 1901 the Fort Worth Fire Department consisted of both paid and volunteer firefighters. In their wisdom they realized the necessity of devising ways and means whereby those of the department who might be so unfortunate as to be injured or sick might receive the proper attention, and the expense of such care be equalized and borne by the entire membership. On October 22, 1901, the members of the department assembled for the purpose of organizing, relative to such plans, and a committee was appointed to draft Constitution and By-Laws for such an organization. On October 27, 1901, the committee appeared before a called meeting and submitted Constitution and By-Laws for an organization to be known as, " The Fireman's Relief Association of Fort Worth, Texas" (FRA).

 

To maintain such an organization finances were derived by dues or premiums paid into a fund by members of the association and by donations that might be made by citizens.  A Board of Trustees and Officers were elected from the members to perform duties such as caring for the finances, visiting the sick and injured and to see that justice prevailed in all transactions pertaining to the Association according to their knowledge and best judgment.

 

It was not the purpose of the Association for anyone to profit, but the object was to apply funds where they were needed and deserving.  The FRA began such programs as the Working Agreement, the Fireman’s Ball, the Annual Awards Banquet, the Angels of Ashes Program and the Fire Department Blood Bank.  Due to changes and additional benefits added or adopted by the City of Fort Worth, the Constitution, By-Laws and benefits have been amended and changed from time to time to continue to meet the needs of our firefighters and their families.

 

Recently, the Fireman’s Relief Association created the Fireman’s Relief Benevolent Association.  This need was created when the IRS changed our tax status from a Charitable Organization to what is known as a Voluntary Employee Benefit Association, or VEBA.  A VEBA can only give benefits to dues paying members, and while that is one of our reasons for existence, we also wanted to remain in the business of helping out members’ families and other people and organizations that are connected with the Fire Department.  So by creating our sister organization, the Fireman’s Relief Benevolent Association, we are able to service some of the needs of non-members.  While we originally funded the FRBA, it now depends on charitable donations and fund raising activities to remain in operation. 

 

Please think of the FRBA when you are looking for a worthwhile charity to give to.  All donations to the FRBA are tax-deductible according to IRS regulations. 

 

In the year 2006, over 100 years after it was founded, the Fireman's Relief Association continues to distribute funds among its members for emergency needs. (It should be noted that we are well aware of the female members of our organization. However, the dicision was made to maintian the "fireman's" name due to incorporation issues.) The FRA has supported both financially and with volunteer help the Chaplains Program, the Critical Incident Stress program, the Fort Worth Fire Fighters Auxiliary, the Friends of Fort Worth Firefighters, the annual Awards Banquet, the Red Helmets, the Fort Worth Firefighters Association and many other support organizations and benefits for firefighters and their families.  Along with this the association furnishes meals for emergency situations such as death of an active firefighter or the death of an immediate family member. A Maltese Cross is ordered for the death of an active or retired firefighter. The Relief Association also helps the family with the obtaining of benefits during the time of crisis of death or other emergencies.

 

The Board of the Fireman's Relief Association in 2006 is committed to keeping the original goals of the Association and to meet the many and varied needs of the present day firefighter and their family.

 

“Founded in the tradition of Professional Firefighters to help and look after their own”

 

For questions or additional information contact:

 

Fireman's Relief Association
2900 Bolt Street

P.O. Box 6838
Fort Worth, TX 76115

817-920-1870

817-922-3456 (fax)

 

or email:FiremansRelief@fwfd.net