TIFF
“To Inform Family First”
In memory of Tiffiany Marie Olson
By Florida Night Train
In today’s age, no parent should be left in the dark or be the last to know about their child’s health and safety following an accident. Surprisingly, the national average for authorities to reach a victim’s family is about 6.5 hours. This is exactly what Christine Olson, mother of late Tiffiany Marie Olson went through. Tiffiany tragically died December 7, 2005, at 7:01 p.m. at the corner of US19 and 49th Street in Palmetto, Florida, on her way to Quaker Steak & Lube bike night in Clearwater. Authorities reached Christine at 1:30 a.m. the following morning announcing the death of her precious daughter.
As a result, Christine decided to launch a petition so this embarrassing national average would be narrowed down and no parent would go through what she did. With the support of the community and Rep. Bill Galvano, Florida State implemented an emergency contact program on October 2, 2006. The program is “TIFF” (www.toinformfamiliesfirst.org) How does it work? Simple, you name your emergency contact right from your driver’s license so if something happens, they are the first to be called.
Currently, 19 million drivers in Florida have registered. I am one of them—have been for years. In fact, I have put my attorney Fran Haasch and her husband Rhett because I know they will have tactfulness to tell my children; and it will put Fran in the lead for insurance claims my family would otherwise not know how to handle. Besides, Fran and Rhett are family to me. But that is my personal choice. There are also 15 states that are now following in Florida’s footsteps about this program.
TIFF, which stands for “To Inform Family First”, provides nationwide law enforcements with who you want to be notified when the unexpected happens. Christine is on a mission to spread awareness about this program with the passion only a mother could exert. In fact, on October 23, 2021, a ride called “Rolling Purple Thunder” to raise awareness about the program will take place starting at the Bradenton Police Department: 100 10th Street West in Bradenton, FL 34205. Registration will be at 9 a.m. – KSU at 10 a.m. TBACS will be leading the ride, which will include the Skyway Bridge, and be escorted by the Bradenton PD/Manatee Sheriff. I am also told aerial pictures and videos will be shot. The ride is sponsored in part by The Fran Haasch Law Group as well as Florida Full Throttle and Quaker Steak & Lube.
“This is right in line with the fact that October is Emergency Contact Info Month” said 
Christine. Receiving an international award in 2006 from American Association of Motor Vehicle Administration, and in recognition from The Ash Institute at Harvard University’s John F Kennedy School of Government as a top 50 government innovations in 2009, TIFF pursues with determination to reach families and government agencies with the solution to what Christine believes is a national crisis. Her story does not have to become yours, but we need to join hands and forces and get this across our nation. Will you help her?
Night Train: www.facebook.com/floridanighttrain
