SPARTA – The Tennessee Firemen’s Association (TFA) has announced a new fundraising campaign, utilizing the locally developed Geekbox wireless speaker to help support the families of fallen firefighters, assist firefighters across the state with much-needed training, and help keep the Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial going.
The specially-designed Geekbox wireless speaker/mini-jukebox is available for sale with more than 50 percent of the proceeds going to benefit firefighters, including the Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial located on the grounds of the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy in Bell Buckle.
“We’re glad to be able to offer anyone that donates to our firefighters something that they can take away and use every day,” said Barry Brady with TFA. “It’s a way to always remember and honor the selfless acts of heroism of the brave firefighters, who did not get to go home to their families. And whoever buys one of these speakers is also helping train firefighters so they don’t become one of the fallen.”
Founded in 2002, the Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial (TFFM) committee is comprised of individuals from the various fire service organizations across the state, including Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association, Tennessee Firemen’s Association, Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy, Tennessee Federation of Fire Chaplains, Tennessee Professional Firefighters Association, and the Tennessee Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators.
On May 28, 2005, Gov. Phil Bredesen signed a bill into law, creating the 501(c)3 not for profit charity. The official ribbon cutting ceremony for phase I of the TFFM was held Sept. 11, 2009.
Phase two was dedicated Sept. 10, 2011, in a ceremony that included the unveiling of a solemn statue created by sculptor/firefighter Scott Wise. In addition to honoring Tennessee’s Fallen Firefighters during the ceremony, the TFFM board also added a memorial to honor the memory of Sept. 11, 2001. The 9/11 Memorial contains a steel I-beam which was once a part of the towers at “ground zero” in New York City.
The service and dedications were also special because it began a tradition of hosting the training event, “Everyone Goes Home.” This annual event helps train firefighters and reminds them of the importance of being safe while protecting their communities.
This type of training is vital for firefighters throughout the state, who will now be able to offer the Geekbox in addition to their on-going fundraising activities.
The Geekbox, which fits in a vehicle’s cup holder, is a small Bluetooth wireless speaker and speaker phone that also includes memory, so users can also download their personal music collection.
In seconds, the Geekbox syncs with any Bluetooth-capable phone, Ipad or tablet to stream audio. It also syncs with computers and other Bluetooth devices to play gaming or movie audio. It can also be hard-wired through a device’s headphone outlet, as well as its ability to play music directly from its onboard 4 gigabytes of memory that is upgradeable to 32 gigabytes.
“We’re glad to be a part of such a noble cause,” Geekbox President and CEO Charles Bell said. “Firefighters, who lost their lives in the line of duty while protecting citizens and their property, will continue to be remembered and honored for their bravery. Their families will be helped and it will be a little easier for firefighters to have the training they need for each time they put their lives on the line.”
