AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 10, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A statewide campaign to raise funds and awareness for Texas' volunteer firefighters hits the airwaves today with two public service announcements featuring Emmy award winning actor Kyle Chandler.
Chandler, best known recently for his roles as Coach Eric Taylor in Friday Night Lights, earning him an Emmy, and Deputy Jackson Lamb in Super 8 taped two television PSAs:
- "We Care," emphasizes the urgent funding and equipment needs of volunteer firefighters; and,
- "Become a Volunteer Firefighter," urges Texans to join first responders as volunteer firefighters in their local communities.
"We couldn't be more proud to have the star power of an Emmy-award winning actor like Kyle, stepping up to help our state's 1,400 volunteer fire departments," said Chris Barron, Executive Director of the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas. "He's a Texan that understands the tragic wildfire season that we've endured and has seen first hand the urgent needs of our volunteer firefighters."
"More than three-quarters of Texas' fire departments in our state are staffed by volunteers," said Kyle Chandler. "It's a privilege to stand up for these tireless, dedicated volunteer firefighters. I hope Texans will support the Texas Wildfire Relief Fund and also consider giving their time in service to their local volunteer fire department."
The two 30-second PSAs are being distributed to statewide broadcast and cable television stations and radio stations and are also available online. Follow SFFMA on Facebook (Facebook.com/SFFMA) and Twitter (@sffma) to watch and share the PSAs online.
"When Texans hear that 86 percent of the state's volunteer firefighters use personal funds for their departments' safety equipment and supply needs, we hope they'll give generously to these brave men and women. Department budgets are stretched then, and help is urgently needed," Barron said.
Secure, tax-deductible online donations to the Texas Wildfire Relief Fund can be made by visiting, www.txwildfirerelief.org. Texans interested in service as a volunteer firefighter in their local community should visit the SFFMA website at www.sffma.org for more information.
Texas Wildfire Relief Fund Media Contact: Kelsey Coleman, (512) 236-1001
The Texas Wildfire Relief Fund is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 committed to raising awareness and support for the volunteer fire departments' ongoing efforts to battle Texas wildfires. Donations and information is online at www.txwildfirerelief.org .
The State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas (SFFMA) is one of the largest trade associations in Texas. The 135-year-old organization is the oldest and the largest fire and EMS service association in the state. Membership includes 1,200 fire, EMS and International departments, more than 21,000 individual members and 80 industrial fire brigades. SFFMA is online at www.sffma.org , on Twitter @sffma and on Facebook.com/SFFMA.
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The following files are available for download:
| wkr0001.pdf | Texas Wildfire Relief Fund - PSA featuring Kyle Chandler News Release |
| [Image] | We Care PSA for Texas Wildfire Relief Fund (:30) |
| [Image] | "Become" PSA for Texas Wildfire Relief Fund |
| [Image] | Kyle Chandler PSA Shoot |