A local property developer now has its logo on a Richmond Fire Rescue vehicle after a $35,000 donation to the City of Richmond.
The corporate branding of a public emergency vehicle appears to be accepted by Richmond city council, as many councillors posed with the aforementioned developer this week, in front of the newly branded Coromandel Properties public education truck.
The city issued a news release Wednesday indicating the truck “is decorated with decals carrying public safety messages and an illustration of Blaze, Richmond Fire-Rescue’s mascot.”
It also has Coromandel Properties’ logo on each door.
City spokesperson Ted Townsend said the corporate logo was not advertising but “simply name/logo recognition,” likening it to corporate partners whose logos are found at city events.
Townsend said paying for standard police cars and firetrucks is “generally not something we would seek to fund through corporate partnerships.”
According to the city, the truck travels to major events, in addition to regularly visiting local schools to “enhance fire safety programs, provide seasonal public education messages and improve the perception, through education, that Richmond is a safe community.”
Deputy Chief Kim Howell said, more than 1,000 students have benefitted from the truck purchase since the fall.
“Safety is important for Richmond citizens as well as Fire-Rescue. The new truck aids in the delivery of life-saving education to those in our community. . .Fire-Rescue is grateful for the generous support from Coromandel Properties in helping us deliver this valuable community service,” noted Howell, via a statement.
The fire department hopes that within five years all elementary school students in Richmond will have received such education.
“This new truck is part of a long-term strategy that will enhance public safety throughout the city. It also supports Richmond Fire-Rescue’s mission statement of enhancing the city’s livability through service excellence in prevention, education and emergency response,” noted the city.
