For firefighters and EMTs - the men and women who arrive first after an accident - time is of the essence.

For example, cutting open a vehicle to rescue passengers requires familiarity with different car models in order to avoid potential risks and obstacles and get the job done quickly. In 2009, we donated newer model, totaled vehicles to several first responder emergency extrication programs in California, Nevada, Connecticut, Arizona, and Wisconsin for training purposes.

"Vehicle donations from Progressive and others have enabled us to deliver much-needed training to first responders in our FREE (First Responder Emergency Extrication) program," says Michael Quinn, co-founder of 911 Collision Centers and executive board member of the National Auto Body Council (NABC). "Technology in vehicle design has increased tremendously over the last five years, and this information and practice is vital for first responders to safely and effectively do their job."

In 2010, the program will expand and be paired up with the NABC’s Recycled Rides program, to which we also donated five totaled vehicles that were refurbished and given to needy families during the winter holiday season.