Group Forms To Support Milton's First Responders

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A new organization in support of Milton’s Police and Fire department first responders has formed to pursue programs to strengthen the partnership between Milton citizens and their public safety first responders.

The Milton First Responders Foundation will support Milton police officers and firefighters by providing critical resources to those who make the city of Milton a safe place to live.

“Once again, Milton citizens have stepped forward to fill an important need,” Mayor Joe Lockwood said. “By enhancing the bonds between our community and police and fire personnel, the Milton First Responders Foundation will help our dedicated public servants do their job better to keep us safer. The money the MFRF raises can make a huge difference -- and our first responders will have a stronger feeling of support from the community they serve.”

The purposes of the organization are to:

• Provide financial support for Milton first responder employees injured in the line of duty or enduring a family hardship.
• Enhance communication opportunities between Milton citizens and the public safety employees who serve them.
• Recognize and reward Milton firefighter and police officer heroes who demonstrate exceptional skill, expertise, innovation, bravery, and commitment to keeping Milton safe.
• Purchase supplementary/non-budgeted equipment and training materials to keep Milton’s first responders performing at the highest level of productivity and preparedness.

“We’ve brought together an amazing partnership of prominent and diverse organization and citizens to help support the vital work of our public safety personnel,” said Claudine Wilkins, a local attorney who leads the group. “It is an inspiration to see such support from our community, and I look forward to working with all of our public and private sector partners.”

The Foundation is funded by contributions from local businesses, organizations and individuals. In addition, exciting special events will generate additional revenue to support Foundation programs.

For example, the Foundation will host the 2015 Milton First Responders Golf Invitational Aug. 31 at The Manor Golf and Country Club.

Anyone can sign up for the the tournament, the details of which can be found on the Foundation’s website.

“I know firsthand the importance of effective interaction between local citizens and their public safety organizations,” said Milton Police Chief Steven Krokoff said. ”Working together our citizens and first responders will strengthen our public safety capabilities and provide support to families of police and fire at times of special need. I applaud this new initiative.”

Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar echoed Krokoff’s sentiments.

“Each day our fire and police employees unselfishly serve the Milton community, but there are times when these civil servants need assistance and it is comforting to know that the Milton First Responders Foundation will be there for them in their time of need,” Edgar stated. “The MFRF is a great public, private partnership that will be there when one of our own needs assistance and also support Milton fire and police employees with the acquisition of non-budgeted equipment through grant requests.”

For more information visit, its website or Facebook page. You can also email the organization at info@miltonfirstresponders.org.

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Photo credit: city of Milton