Governor Gianforte Encourages Support for Montana's Firefighting Workforce

HELENA, Mont. – On the seventh day of his 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte today encouraged Montanans to support Montana’s firefighting workforce and their families through the Montana Firefighter Fund (MTFF).

“Montana’s firefighters are some of the most important and necessary personnel serving our state,” Governor Gianforte said. “They risk their lives on the job to protect our communities, livelihoods, and natural resources, and I encourage Montanans to give back to them and their families through the Montana Firefighter Fund this Christmas.”

Started in 2021 by the owner and employees of Bridger Aerospace, MTFF is dedicated to supporting and honoring firefighters who put their lives at risk in the line of duty every day. The fund aims to build a stronger fire service community by providing firefighters with opportunities for continued education and access to proper equipment to do their job safely and effectively. In addition, the Montana Firefighter Fund provides assistance to firefighters, as well as the families of those that have been injured or fallen in the line of duty.

Thanks to the generosity of Montanans, MTFF honored its first beneficiary this year, Red Lodge firefighter Dan Steffensen. Steffensen was seriously injured fighting the Harris Fire near Joliet in July 2021.

To learn more and donate to the Montana Firefighter Fund, Montanans may visit montanafirefighterfund.org. 

Running through mid-December, the governor’s 12 Days of Giving will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

-On the 1th Day of Giving, the governor visited the Butte Rescue Mission and served lunch to Montanans struggling with food insecurity.

-On the 2th Day of Giving, the governor launched the second annual canned food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

-On the 3th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to support Montana veterans through the Veterans Navigation Network.

-On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to donate a new, unwrapped toy to a Toys for Tots campaign in their community.

-On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.

-On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Youth Empowerment Services (YES!) in Anaconda.

-On the 7th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to give back to our firefighting workforce through the Montana Firefighter Fund.