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Community Corner

Volunteer Firefighters: Free Wills for First Responders

Westchester Volunteer Firefighters to Receive

Free Wills and Estate Planning at Amawalk Fire House

 

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(New York, October 30, 2013) - The Firemen’s Association of the State of NY (FASNY), together with law firm K&L Gates, and MetLife’s Legal Department, will provide Pro-Bono wills and other estate planning services for Westchester’s volunteer firefighters and first-responders on Saturday, November 2nd in Amawalk, NY.

The free “Working to Instill Life-Long Security” (W.I.L.L.S) will-preparation event, in its sixth year, will provide health care proxies, wills and powers of attorney for New York volunteer firefighters and their spouses. The one-day event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Somers VFD’s Amawalk Fire House, 1 Liberty Way, Amawalk, NY 10501.

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The inspiration for the W.I.L.L.S. program grew out of the events of 9/11, when it was discovered that many of the firefighters who perished that day did so without leaving a will or other essential documents to protect their families. The W.I.L.L.S program is designed to allow the community to help support the volunteers who protect us each and every day.

Whether it is fire emergencies, search and rescue operations, or natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy, volunteer first responders are called upon each day for essential life-saving services.

“First responders face dangerous and life threatening situations every day,” said FASNY President Jim Burns. “Having a plan -- just in case -- is extremely important. We are very thankful to both MetLife and K&L Gates for this opportunity.”

K&L Gates lawyers will provide estate planning document and questionnaire templates for the program and the firm’s IT department will set up laptop stations that MetLife lawyers use to counsel, advise, and create legal documents for firefighters and their families. An appointment lasts approximately 60 minutes.

“The W.I.L.L.S. program is a great way for our firm to give back to some of the true heroes within our communities,” said Willie Dennis, a partner in K&L Gates’ New York office. “K&L Gates is proud to partner with MetLife and The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, in being a part of this worthwhile cause.”

“It’s a wonderful program that further demonstrates MetLife’s pro bono commitment to the community,” said Patricia Curran Reinhardt, senior counsel at MetLife.

“There are many "ifs" in everyone's life; our firefighters should never have to worry about something like a will while volunteering," said FASNY President Jim Burns. "Having plans in place, for those just-in-case situations, can provide peace of mind for the volunteers and their families. We are very thankful to both MetLife and K&L Gates for helping our First Responders."
   
For more information or to reserve an appointment contact Pat Curran at pcurran@metlife.com or 212-578-7487. Walk-ins are welcome on the day of the event and will be seen subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

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