Pretty much every smart smartphone owner has some kind of case on their phone. Whether you’re going for sleek and stylish or rugged and sturdy your phone is an extension of you and it needs to be protected.  Ballistic has been making great shock absorbing cases for the last several years, blending both style and durability.

Volunteer firemen are hard on their phone cases. Long gone are the days where firefighters would leave their cell phones at the station. Smartphones are a firefighters lifeline to what’s going on back home. However with smoke, falling, climbing ladders and water it’s also one of the easiest professions to quickly damage a $500 smartphone.

That’s why Ballistic has partnered with The National Volunteer Fire Council, the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services, to donate $2 million dollars worth of high quality, durable cases, to firefighters across the county.

Nearly 70% of all firefighters are volunteers. These courageous firefighters and their stations play a critical role in keeping our communities safe. In celebration of their bravery, sacrifice and dedication, this holiday season Ballistic Cases set out to say “Thanks a Million”. In partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the Ballistic Case Company kicked off an initiative to donate one million dollars’ worth of protective smartphone cases to volunteers throughout the country.

“In one day, the one million dollars’ worth of cases was not only reached, but exceeded, because of the explosive response from men and women across the country,” said Hank Goradesky, CEO, Ballistic. “Now Ballistic is pleased to announce an extension. We’re determined to donate a total of two million dollars’ worth of protective smartphone cases.”

Volunteer firefighters can sign up to receive free cases at Facebook.com/BallisticCases. There, you can also do your part to say “Thanks a Million More” by nominating a local volunteer firefighter and their station, sharing your story, or by simply leaving a thank you message.

n recent years call volumes have tripled, putting a strain on already limited resources and making these brave volunteer firefighters work harder than ever. Smartphones have become an important tool in the firefighter toolbox; and having a case that ensures these phones are protected is Ballistic’s way of saying thanks to these everyday heroes. Twenty years of real world use by firefighters, policemen, EMTs and other first responders has shaped Ballistic’s legacy and resulted in the Six-Sided Drop Protection technology found in Ballistic cases today.

To join in saying “Thanks a Million,” visit Ballistic on Facebook and nominate your local station, share a story, or simply leave a thank you message. Ballistic will donate cases (HC, SG or SG Maxx) to nominees throughout the holidays. Volunteer firefighters and stations can also sign up to receive a case directly at Facebook.com/BallisticCases.

“Doing the right thing is something that has driven my team for 20 years,” said Hank Goradesky, CEO, Ballistic. “These loyal volunteers wake up every morning and truly demonstrate what ‘doing the right thing’ is all about. We are honored to work with the NVFC to help support these real-life heroes. We are truly ecstatic to see the successes of this, with firefighters nationwide being eager to participate in the program. With “Thanks a Million” we invite everyone to show their thanks to the men, women, husbands, wives, co-workers, neighbors and friends that keep our communities safe.”

“The NVFC is pleased to partner with Ballistic to provide free smartphone cases to volunteer firefighters,” said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. “We cannot believe how quickly the original goal was reached, and we are incredibly grateful for Ballistic’s continued dedication with their commitment to donating two million dollars’ worth of cases. This is a great example of a company giving back by supporting the volunteers who protect our nation’s communities.”

For more information on the “thanks a million” campaign click here.