COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Oct. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE : HON) today is honoring the courageous firefighters who helped the Colorado Springs community through the Waldo Canyon Wildfires of 2012 and the Black Forest Wildfires of 2013 at a giving ceremony at the Honeywell Technology Solutions facility in Colorado Springs.

"Every day thousands of men and women firefighters risk their lives to save our communities and keep us out of harm's way," said Tim Mahoney, President and CEO, Honeywell Aerospace. "They are members of our local volunteer fire departments, but we also know them as neighbors and family. To us they are heroes, and I am proud to recognize these volunteer firefighters for their courage, personal sacrifice, and commitment to the people of Colorado Springs."

Honeywell employees from around the world made generous donations through the Honeywell Humanitarian Relief Fund (HHRF) to support the Colorado Springs community in the aftermath of both wildfires. Donations include $255,000 in Honeywell Personal Protective Equipment to six volunteer fire departments, and direct cash donations to six additional fire companies. The equipment - Honeywell gloves, boots and hoods and Morning Pride turnout gear and helmets - will go to three Waldo Canyon Volunteer Fire Departments - Cascade, Crystal Park, Palmer Lake, and three Black Forest Volunteer Fire Departments - Simla, Ellicott and Calhan. The cash donations will be directed to the following Waldo Canyon Volunteer Fire Departments: Stratmoor Hills, Divide, El Paso County Sheriff Wildland Fire Operations, Green Mountain Falls, Manitou Springs and Black Forest.

Also participating will be the Mayor of Colorado Springs Steve Bach; Jeanie Lamborn, wife of Representative Doug Lamborn, 5(th) Congressional District; Colorado Springs Fire Chief Christopher Riley and all Colorado Springs voluntary fire department chiefs.

The HHRF is part of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company's corporate citizenship initiative, which plays a vital role in bringing critical and timely assistance to employees and their families. The fund creates a channel for corporate contributions and 100% of employees' donations to go directly to the people who need help rebuilding their lives as they cope with the destruction from fires, hurricanes, tsunamis, flooding, and earthquakes.

During the wildfires HHRF contributed immediate cash assistance for food, clothing, and shelter to Honeywell employees who had been temporarily displaced from their homes. In the aftermath of both wildfires, funds were used to help employees with longer-term needs, such as home rebuilding costs.

"Honeywell has been an outstanding employer in Colorado Springs, with a long history of corporate citizenship through volunteering and other activities," said Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach. "We greatly appreciate this tribute to our community."

"As a pioneer of innovative safety technologies and solutions for firefighters around the world, Honeywell is honored to pay tribute to this group of volunteers," said Eric Doremus, Honeywell Technology Solutions Program Director. "We hope that the donations and equipment will go a long way toward helping firefighters keep the people of Colorado Springs safer and more secure for years to come."

Since 2001 Honeywell employees have generously responded to other natural disasters, such as Hurricane Sandy, the tsunami in Japan, as well as tornadoes, flooding and earthquakes around the world.

About Honeywell Hometown Solutions
The Honeywell Humanitarian Relief Fund is part of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company's corporate citizenship initiative, which focuses on five areas of vital importance: Science & Math Education, Family Safety & Security, Housing & Shelter, Habitat & Conservation, and Humanitarian Relief. Together with leading public and non-profit institutions, Honeywell has developed powerful programs to address these needs in the communities it serves. For more information, please visit http://citizenship.honeywell.com/.

About Honeywell
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; turbochargers; and performance materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.


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SOURCE Honeywell