Inspired by the countless stories of courage and perseverance in the aftermath of Sept. 11, A.O. Smith Water Products Co. has contributed $15,000 to the New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund.

The fund was designated to provide financial assistance to the families of all fallen firefighters and coordinate efforts to assist fire and emergency medical services personnel involved in the massive clean-up efforts under way.

"New Yorkers for many years have affectionately referred to their firefighters as 'New York City's Bravest,' and now all the world knows just how heroic these individuals really are," said Ron Massa, president of A.O. Smith. "It was very important to everyone within our company that we provide some much-needed assistance to these firefighters' families."

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, A.O. Smith is a leading manufacturer and marketer or residential and commercial water heaters and hydronic boilers.