Names Brian Gallamore, Career Firefighter and First Responder, to Lead NABC F.R.E.E.™ Program Going Forward
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (August 5, 2025) – The National Auto Body Council announced today a changing of the guard – literally – for the NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) program. The National Auto Body Council® First Responder Emergency Education (F.R.E.E.™) program helps prepare local first responder teams to rescue accident victims from these late-model vehicles. The program provides education and live demonstrations on working with high-strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems, onboard technology and safety around alternative fuel vehicles. NABC members such as insurance carriers donate the late-model vehicles, while collision repair facilities, distribution center and community organizations host the event. HURST Jaws of Life and Genesis Rescue Systems provide the tools and education for the program.
The NABC F.R.E.E.™ program, founded in 2012, has been led by George Avery, former NABC® board chairman, Hall of Eagles member and longtime insurance industry leader, since it began. Prior to joining the NABC®, Avery was an executive with State Farm. Over the last 13 years under Avery’s leadership, the NABC F.R.E.E.™ program has grown in national scale with more than 40 events each year training some 1,500 first responders annually. Since it was founded, it has provided education for more than 6,000 first responders. It has been recognized nationally for innovation and commitment to improving first responders’ preparation for rescuing vehicle accident victims. In honor of his service, NABC commissioned a portrait of George in his first responder turnout gear by North Carolina artist Merissa Jones.
“When the NABC F.R.E.E.™ program first started I knew the program was a great opportunity for NABC® members to give back to their community,” said Avery. “As we started to receive feedback from both NABC® members and first responders it became clear that the opportunity to train on newer cars can save lives which would not be possible without the tool manufacturer instructors and our insurance partners. I was proud to be part of NABC F.R.E.E.™ program.”
Today’s vehicles are equipped with numerous airbags, advanced technology and innovative safety systems that keep drivers safer in case of an accident. But these same safety advantages make it harder for first responders to rescue those drivers and passengers. Add to that the potential challenge presented by electric and hybrid engines, and first responders need a whole new arsenal of rescue tools and procedures.
Brian Gallamore, a career firefighter, is joining the NABC F.R.E.E.™ program as the program manager. He brings extensive experience as a first responder and educator, serving most recently as the Special Operations Captain for the Fairfax Country Fire and Rescue Department. From February 2003 – November 2022, he rose through the ranks from recruit firefighter to captain. He also served with the Spotsylvania County Fire and Rescue and the Colonial Heights Fire and EMS. He founded Interstate Rescue LLC in 2006, and led that business until it was sold to Municipal Emergency Services in 2022. He currently serves as Vice President – Rescue & Extrication for Municipal Emergency Services, and will continue in that role along with his NABC F.R.E.E.™ responsibilities.
“I have been involved with the NABC® since 2015 where I experienced our first event,” said Gallamore. “I look forward to continuing the program to help train our first responders across the country to be better prepared when a motor vehicle accident occurs in their respective area.”
“George Avery has been a pillar of this organization and a personal mentor to many of us,” said Tom Wolf, chairman of the board of the National Auto Body Council®. “His leadership of the NABC F.R.E.E.™ program helped define how we as an industry support those on the front lines. What he built wasn’t just a program, it was a legacy of preparedness, service, and genuine care for the communities we serve. I’m proud to call George a friend, and I know I speak for the entire board in thanking him for his years of commitment.
“The NABC F.R.E.E.™ program makes a real difference where it matters most. It gives first responders hands-on experience with the evolving challenges of modern vehicles and ultimately helps save lives when every second counts,” added Wolf. “We’re excited to welcome Brian Gallamore into this role. His background as a career firefighter and instructor brings real-world credibility and a fresh perspective to the program. We look forward to supporting Brian as he leads this next chapter of growth and impact.”
To learn more about the NABC F.R.E.E. program, contact bgallamore@nationalautobodycouncil.org or call 855.843.6222.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL®
The National Auto Body Council® is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve. The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council® has gifted more than 3,500 vehicles valued at $51 million and provided extrication opportunities for some 6,000 First Responders in communities around the country through NABC Recycled Rides®, NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) and the NABC® Community Impact program.
The NABC Changing and Saving Lives Foundation, a 501c3 organization, is committed to the goal of driving change for veterans, military members, first responders and families in need, while harnessing the power of the collective membership of the collision repair industry to positively impact communities where we live and work. As demand for NABC® programs like NABC Recycled Rides® and NABC F.R.E.E.™ grows, so do the needs for resources to manage these important programs. Being able to pursue grants, gifts and donations allow NABC® to expand these programs to serve those in need and help communities where we live and work. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.