Fire Family Foundation Provided More Than $34,000 in Assistance to Firefighters and Fire Families in First Half of 2015

As the charitable hand of the Los Angeles-based Firefighters First Credit Union, Fire Family Foundation distributed over $34,000 in assistance to firefighters and fire families in the first six months of 2015.

Providing hope and comfort to those in need, the Foundation ensures donations go directly to those in need; assistance is distributed statewide and supports numerous individuals and organizations.

So far in 2015, the Foundation supported individuals and causes, including:

• 22-year veteran LAFD paramedic Wendy who served at 9/11 and consequently was diagnosed with lung cancer. The Foundation helped with her general housing expenses and hospice care. Sadly, Wendy died in early June.
• Fresno Fire Captain Pete Dern who was seriously injured while fighting a house fire; the Foundation coordinated efforts to offer the Pete Dern Challenge Coins with proceeds going to the Dern family.
• The Chapman family of Rancho Cucamonga who lost their home and all their belongings to a fire; father Jason is a LAFD firefighter who was out on a call when the fire broke out.
• The Kern County Fire Chief who needed assistance for his older son who is battling cancer.
• The family of CAL Fire Captain Richard who was diagnosed with throat and colon cancer; the Foundation covered mortgage expenses for the family consisting of wife Jennifer, three young daughters and Richard’s mother.
• The first annual Fire Velo “Firefighters Ride for Life,” a Los Angeles to San Diego bike ride that raised funds for Fire Family Foundation.
• Partnering with The Rialto Fire Department to establish the Rialto Firefighters Community Giving Fund which will aid firefighters and the community; the Foundation lent support to the department at their recent “Pass the Boot” Drive.

“The Foundation is active in the firefighting community, working with individuals and organizations to create a bastion of hope for those who are grieving, in shock and feel alone,” explains Mike Mastro, President and CEO of Firefighters First Credit Union, who also serves as the Foundation Board Chair. “The generosity of our donors enables us to be of service to those in our fire family and beyond. We are extremely proud to be the helping hand for so many. And our work will continue.”

The Foundation remains committed to helping in 2015 and responding to communities and the firefighters who serve them in times of need.

Learn more about Fire Family Foundation and individuals/organizations that it’s currently helping at www.firefamilyfoundation.org. Follow Fire Family Foundation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/firefamilyfoundation.

About Fire Family Foundation

Fire Family Foundation responds when tragedy affects firefighters and fire victims. A nonprofit founded by the respected Firefighters First Credit Union, Fire Family Foundation offers immediate assistance to firefighters and their families, fire victims, fire departments, and charities. The Foundation believes that by coming together as a “Fire Family,” assistance can be provided to those impacted by fire.