[Rant Boss]

Shortly after firefighter Terry Farrell (FDNY Rescue 4 and Dix Hills Chief of Department) was killed in the line of duty on September 11, 2001, his five brothers created the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund with the goal of helping firefighter families. Since 2002, the fund's original mission to provide scholarships to children of New York firefighters has been expanded to include relief for firefighters in financial distress, donated apparatus and gear to needy fire departments and bone marrow collection drives.

The charity's budget survives on fundraisers, donations and a unique partnership with Jim Beam. Larry Romer, a former sales executive for the bourbon maker, is a friend of Brian Farrell and first expressed an interest in helping the fund back in 2002.

It started small with t-shirts and eventually led to the production of a limited-edition Jim Beam bottle label. In 2005, Jim Beam changed its label for the first time in more than 200 years to include a red fire helmet emblazoned with "343," the number of FDNY firefighters killed on 9/11.

The bottle, which was only distributed in New York, sold out. The following year, distribution of the limited-edition bottle was expanded to two additional states and sold out again. For every case of bourbon sold in New York, with or without the special label, Jim Beam donates one dollar to the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund.#

"Since the label is doing so well, there is now talk of widening the distribution even further," said Brian Farrell. Meanwhile, the bourbon maker has also bought and donated six thermal imaging cameras and a 2008 Chevy Suburban truck. The cameras went to needy departments and the truck went to the FDNY's Family Transport Foundation.

Since November 2007, the fund has also been able to distribute three fire vehicles, more than 100 sets of turnout gear, 50 SCOTT packs and various tools to fire departments, all thanks to generous donations.

The number of scholarships for firefighter children awarded each year is based on available funding with a minimum award of $1,000. Special grants are also available throughout the year for families of firefighters in medical distress or lost in the line of duty.

Click here for more info on the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund.

[Probie]

Was at McMurphys in Wantagh this weekend that place is wallpapered with Terry Farrell Fund advertisements. Great to see.

[Bruce]

how many years have they been doing the bottle label?

[Thunderfoot]

Originally Posted by Bruce

how many years have they been doing the bottle label?

2 so far

[Bruce]

i need the first years, i got last years

[FaceToTheFloor]

Originally Posted by Probie

Was at McMurphys in Wantagh this weekend that place is wallpapered with Terry Farrell Fund advertisements. Great to see.

His brothers own McMurphy's and "Bruce", the label was issued twice. Original was on the black cap and after the sales soared they re-issued one on a special edition red cap label. If you want to buy a bottle of it and can't find it in the stores, PM me and I will make the connection for you.

Had the honor of knowing Terry for many years.
Miss him dearly.
His legacy will carry on and through the fire service as a result of the Terry Fund. Many LI Departments have made generous donations to the fund interms of $$, equipment, etc. If you are having a fundraiser and need a place to give to, this fund is up front and super legit.

[Thunderfoot]

As Face said it's a great fund and Terry's brothers are great people. I too knew Terry for a very long time and try to get the word out about the fund as often as I can.

[terryfund]

[IMG]http://terryfarrellfund.org[/IMG]The Fund would like to announce that the third edition label of the Jim Beam Firefighter label is now in stores. The Jim Beam company is thinking about issuing a new decanter in honor of the fire service for 2009. So if interested email kelly.doss@beamglobal.com and tell het to create the decanter in honor of the fire service. She is head of North America marketing and makes the decision. Any one who remembers the old Beam decanters and train sets knows how nice they can make a bottle in honor of the brotherhood