The National Auto Body Council (NABC) announced a changing of the guard for the NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.) program, a national initiative that helps prepare local first responder teams to rescue crash victims from late-model vehicles.
Painting of George Avery by Merissa Jones.
The program has been led by George Avery, former NABC board chairman, Hall of Eagles member and longtime insurance industry leader, since it began in 2012. He is stepping down to be succeeded by Brian Gallamore, a career firefighter, as program manager.
Prior to joining NABC, Avery was an executive with State Farm. Over the last 13 years under his leadership, the 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. The program 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 Avery 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.”
“George Avery has been a pillar of this organization and a personal mentor to many of us,” said Tom Wolf, chair of the NABC board. “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.
Gallamore brings extensive experience as a first responder and educator, serving most recently as the special operations captain for the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Virginia. From February 2003 to 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.
Gallamore 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 of rescue and 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.”
“We’re excited to welcome Brian Gallamore into this role,” Wolf said. “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, email bgallamore@nationalautobodycouncil.org or call 855-843-6222.
