The Fort Montgomery, NY, Fire Department needs your help!
Help us purchase the three AEDs, water rescue suits, and gear bags we need. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible!
Your support ensures these volunteers have the tools they need to save lives. Any funds raised beyond the direct cost of equipment support the Foundation’s mission to identify and equip the next department in need.
Why Your Support Matters
In rural America, courage is never in short supply—but the resources to back it up often are. According to the American College of Surgeons, rural emergency call times average 97 minutes from the initial 911 call to hospital arrival. That is nearly 30 minutes longer than the national average. When a life is on the line, every second of that 97-minute clock is a battle for survival. Yet, research from the National Fire Protection Association shows that 72% of rural departments are forced to fight that battle using gear and equipment over a decade old.
The math is broken: Every year, over 8,000 departments apply for federal assistance, but only 1 in 5 actually receive a grant. Even for the lucky few who are approved, the bureaucratic wait is often 18 months before a single piece of equipment arrives. Our heroes cannot wait 18 months for a replacement when a tool breaks today.
Your support directly bridges this gap. The Larry Pickett Foundation operates on a transparent 85/15 model: 85% of your donation goes directly toward the specific, life-saving equipment requested by the local Fire Chief—paid direct-to-vendor. We replace the failing, outdated tools these volunteers rely on every day and provide stabilization grants to accident survivors to help cover medical expenses and deductibles.
By giving today, you are putting the "Tools of the Trade" into the hands of those who have the heart to save us, but lack the funds to do so safely. Your contribution is **100% tax-deductible and provides immediate, tangible protection for our communities. Join us in getting the gear on the trucks. Every dollar brings us one step closer to a safer response.
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OFFICIAL DISCLOSURES & CAMPAIGN TERMS
Tax-Exempt Status: The Larry Pickett Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 41-3125640). Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for this generous donation.
Donor Intent & Fund Allocation (85/15 Model) To ensure maximum transparency and impact, the Larry Pickett Foundation operates on an 85/15 funding model. Eighty-five percent (85%) of all funds raised for this specific campaign are restricted for the purchase of the equipment requested by the Fire Chief. Fifteen percent (15%) of the gross contribution is retained by the Foundation for mission support, strategic readiness, and administrative costs associated with identifying and supporting departments in need.
Direct-to-Vendor Assurance: To maintain absolute accountability and compliance with IRS regulations, the Larry Pickett Foundation does not provide cash grants directly to fire departments. All equipment is purchased by the Foundation and delivered directly to the department. This ensures that every dollar of the restricted fund is used exactly as the donor intended.
Official Donation Receipts: An official tax receipt for your records will be generated automatically by the GoFundMe Pro platform upon completion of your donation. Please retain this receipt for your tax filings. Legal Name: Larry Pickett Foundation Organization Type: 501(c)(3) Public Charity Tax ID (EIN): 41-3125640
Mission: Bridging the equipment gap for rural first responders and accident survivors.
Website: LarryPickettFoundation.org