Foundation Seeks to Cleanse Hidden Danger to Los Angeles Firefighters

LOS ANGELES - The risk to firefighters doesn't end when flames are extinguished say experts, who have shown that contaminated protective gear can harm firefighters long after the alarm bell rings.

Reports from NIOSH, the University of Cincinnati and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, show firefighters are more likely to develop multiple types of deadly cancers compared to the general population. One of the reasons is the constant exposure and re-exposure to unclean protective or "turnout" gear.

In an effort to lessen the risk and prevent illness, the non-profit Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is leading a community based effort to place special washer-extractors in every City of Los Angeles fire station.

KTLA-TV's Gayle Anderson explains...

Click here or on the image above to view the video

Contaminants common to firefighting and emergency medical services not only put firefighters at increased health risk, but can lessen the protective performance of expensive turnout and other gear. As more particles and chemicals remain on clothing, the gear gradually loses its effectiveness because it reflects less radiant heat, becomes more flammable and can even conduct electricity.

Soiled turnout gear demands special cleaning procedures that cannot be conducted at commercial cleaners or in a home laundry. Removing contaminants and preventing fabric damage requires the use of professionally designed washer-extractors, that can clean turnout apparel without damaging the gear’s protective integrity.

There are presently only 30 washer-extractors in service among LAFD's 106 neighborhood fire stations, forcing as many as 150 firefighters to travel across the City to share a single machine.

Knowing that safety and efficiency go hand in hand, the non-profit Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation has stepped forward to garner community support in purchasing at least one washer-extractor for every fire station in Los Angeles. You can support the project in ways large and small by calling (855) 9-LAFIRE or visiting:

SupportLAFD.org

# # #

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is the major source of private support for the LAFD. Their mission is to create partnerships to provide resources, programs and equipment that assist firefighters and paramedics in protecting life, property and the environment. Learn the many ways you can help today at SupportLAFD.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Join LAFD at the 20th Annual 'Stair Climb for Los Angeles'

LOS ANGELES - This Friday, reach for the sky by joining competitors from across our nation - including Los Angeles Firefighters, in a fundraising climb to the top of the West Coast's tallest building.

It's the 20th Annual Stair Climb for Los Angeles to support the Ketchum-Downtown YMCA, and you're invited to join us on September 27, 2013. As LAFD Battalion Chief Armando Hogan explains...

Click here or on the image above to play video

Whether you climb for the thrill of a vertical race - or step at your own pace, your 1,679 steps to the top of the 75 story U.S. Bank Tower (the tallest building west of the Mississippi) during Stair Climb for Los Angeles benefits the Stuart M. Ketchum Downtown YMCA. Learn more today at:

ymcastairclimb.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Charity Car Show to Feature Pinewood Derby

WEST HILLS - Organizers of the popular LAFD Charity Car Show are putting out a community call for Pinewood Derby participants to prepare their 'wheels' for racing at the October 13, 2013 benefit, which features food cooked by firefighters, toe-tapping tunes and a raffle with some great prizes!

The hand-crafted miniature racers are a popular addition to the glistening full-sized cars, motorcycles, boats and trucks that will be on static display for the entire community to enjoy.

This family-themed car show - free for all spectators - proudly draws public participants from throughout California.

All proceeds from the LAFD Charity Car Show and Pinewood Derby benefit the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund as well as the Firefighters Quest for Burn Survivors. To further help firefighters and those they proudly serve, there will be an on-site blood drive hosted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Today's special announcement is a reminder for Pinewood Derby participants to begin shaping their racers to be in compliance with contest rules for stock and super stock class. To support the charitable cause, there is a $5.00 entry per Pinewood Derby vehicle, which will be collected at race check-in. There will be trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each class.

In fact, now would also be great time to register your full-size show car, truck, boat or motorcycle!

Please save Sunday, October 13, 2013 and plan to join us for a day of family fun in the West San Fernando Valley. To learn more, visit:

LAFDCarShow.com

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Public Safety BBQ in Downtown Los Angeles

Please join the Los Angeles Fire Department this Friday, September 6, 2013 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM in Downtown Los Angeles for the 14th Annual Public Safety Appreciation Barbecue.

Hosted by the Downtown Los Angeles Center Business Improvement District, this public event honors the men and women of LAFD, LAPD, CHP, FBI, the Sheriff's Department and other public safety agencies.

Conveniently held at Fig at 7th (located at 735 South Figueroa Street), this barbecue lunch features Downtown's most delectable fare:


All are welcome. We encourage use of the Metro Red Line, Metro Purple Line, Metro Blue Line or Metro Expo Line, which all serve the nearby "7th Street/Metro Center" Station. DASH Downtown Shuttles also serve the intersection of 7th Street and Figueroa Street, home to Fig at 7th. There is plenty of bicycle parking.

For those who wish to drive, there is easy-to-access hourly parking nearby.

This year, your simple $9 admission supports the renowned Sheriff's Youth Foundation, providing young people with safe facilities, planned programs and the vital tools they need to thrive and succeed in life.

The most important aspect of this event is an opportunity for us to meet and thank you. So please mark your calendar and plan to join us this Friday, September 6th for a great BBQ lunch.

For more information and a full list of sponsors, visit downtownla.com/public-safety-bbq-2013.asp - or call the Downtown Center Business Improvement District at (213) 624-2146.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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"Hope For Firefighters" Meet Local Firefighters and Sample Firehouse Cooking

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES- It's time for the annual Hope For Firefighters. It's tasty food, great live music, fun and frolicking in the sun, and a little friendly competition. Now in its 16th year, this occasion attracts thousands. All for a great cause.
It's a one-of-a-kind lunchtime event featuring fire apparatus and demonstrations. Exciting “Firefighter Muster Games” where more than 20 sponsored teams compete for top honors and trophies. It's possibly the largest event of its kind in North America, and you wont want to miss it.

Thursday, June 6, 2013: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Hope Street, between 3rd Street and Hope Place
Directions                                                  

Fire Stations from all over the City team-up with local business sponsors to compete for your palette. Each team will present a "Firehouse Favorite", prepared and served by the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Winners will be selected in the categories of best food, best dessert, and best themed booth.

LAFD merchandise sales, raffle drawings, prizes, as well as food sales ($7 a plate) and sponsorships will all benefit the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association's - Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen's Fund.

It truly is a great atmosphere and might be one of the City's best kept secrets. So, we encourage you to bring the whole family and tell a friend...or two! All are welcome! Admission to the venue is free! It's a great excuse to get out of the office!
We HOPE you'll be there, and show your support for your LAFD and their families.


(PHOTOS)
Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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L.A. Firefighters and Police Officers Battle in Charity Football Game

In the Battle for Los Angeles, only one team can reign. We are of course, talking about the annual face-off between the Los Angeles Heat and LAPD Centurions football teams.

Come witness one team leaves the field as champion:

Saturday, June 1, 2013
Kickoff 5:30 PM
Los Angeles Heat vs. LAPD Centurions
Walnut High School
400 Pierre Road
Walnut, CA 91789

The true winner of this matchup however, will be the charities supported by both teams. For the L.A. Heat, proceeds from your attendance benefit the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, and for the LAPD Centurions, The Blind Children's Center.

The L.A. Heat and LAPD Centurions are proud members of the National Public Safety Football League (NPSFL). Every NPSFL player is a public safety professional adhering to an on-field code of honor and integrity that mirrors that of their sworn duty.

This is a game you don't want to miss, and one your entire family can feel proud in attending. For more information, please visit:

www.losangelesheat.org www.lapdcenturions.com

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Announces Final Event: 'Battle of the Badges' Blood Drive in Granada Hills

Members of the Los Angeles Fire Department and their families welcome you to join them on February 28, 2013 in Granada Hills for "The Final Event", as Battle of the Badges comes to a close. This spirited competition among more than 200 Southern California public safety agencies has us seeking healthy blood donors - like you!

Why You?

In Southern California, less than 3% of the population donates – leading to frequent shortages of the most-needed types of blood. At a time when donations traditionally decline, Firefighters and Paramedics need your help to ensure a healthy blood supply in our region.

You can support "Team LAFD" during this final competition - which is open to the public, as each donor can cast a vote for their favorite public safety agency.

Your participation is quick and simple. Just call the Los Angeles Fire Department member listed below to schedule your appointment:

Thursday, February 28, 2013
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
LAFD Station 87
10124 Balboa Boulevard
Granada Hills, CA 91344
Contact: Captain Steve Perez (818) 756-8687

To thank you for helping LAFD meet the challenge, blood donors will receive a gift bag including a Battle of the Badges T-Shirt, coupon for a free appetizer at a popular restaurant chain, and tickets to a renowned comedy club*. Most importantly, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you joined LAFD members and their families in saving lives. Learn more today at:

redcrossbattleofthebadges.org

* Offers subject to availability

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Southern California Toy Drives: It's Not Too Late!

Some of you ask why members of the Los Angeles Fire Department are so passionate - some say emotional, about our Spark of Love Toy Drive for needy children.



Please wonder no more...

Toy Drives: It’s Not Too Late!
By Kevin Ott
blogging.la

Here’s my favorite personal Christmas story: One year when I was very young, I got a package of cheap off-brand glow-in-the-dark action figures. They had no faces and chintzy vinyl capes. For reasons I still can’t explain, I loved these guys — I played with them until their capes frayed and their joints (I think there was a grand total of, like, four on each figure) loosened.

Years later, when I was out of college, my single mom mentioned to me that her hardest Christmas was the one where she had just lost her job and was forced to go on welfare. She hadn’t been able to afford Christmas presents for me, so as soon as she got her first welfare check she went directly to the toy store and made the entire thing stretch as far as she could. That was the year she got me the glow-in-the-dark action figures. I don’t think she ever knew that I loved them so much.

So why am I telling you this? Because there are still plenty of kids out there whose parents can’t even afford the cheapest plastic aliens, and that’s where we come in. There are tons of toy drives and holiday charity events going on all around LA...

...Run by the LAFD, the Spark of Love toy drive collects new, unwrapped toys or sports equipment at every fire station in Los Angeles. Click here to find your local firehouse.

As your firefighters, we often see things we don't want to talk about. On other days, we experience things we just can't find the words for.

Thank you Kevin, for so eloquently expressing the value of this well-run program. Though largely staffed by off-duty firefighters and their families, it is powered by the generosity of people just like you.

It's not too late to make the magic happen!
Firefighters will gratefully accept your generous donation of a new unwrapped toy or sporting good at any Neighborhood Fire Station through the holidays... but please don't wait! For more information, please call the Spark of Love hotline:

(213) 847-3816
...toys will be gratefully accepted through New Years Day, but please don't wait!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Highland Park Family Experiences Holiday Magic, Thanks to the 'Spark of Love'

HIGHLAND PARK - Having witnessed Santa Claus atop a glistening Los Angeles Fire Department ladder truck in a community parade the week prior, the four children of the Vigil family were insistent that their letters to Santa be taken directly to the Neighborhood Fire Station.

Warmly accepting the neatly addressed letters on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 - before the alarm bell rang, the crew of LAFD Station 12 on North Figueroa Street offered the family their warmest wishes before they said goodbye.

With strong winds howling across Los Angeles, the firefighters of Station 12 were forced to leave the letters unopened in the firehouse, as they raced to emergencies well into the night. With pride in their day-long efforts, including the conquest of a wind-whipped electrical blaze on Benner Street that threatened to destroy several households that evening, the firefighters gathered late at night in the fire station to finally open the letters, one of which read:

Dear Santa,

My name is Joseph. I am 12 years old. This year we might not have Christmas because my Mom got laid off a few weeks ago and told us there will be no Christmas for us. All I want is for my little brother Nathan who is 7 and my lil sister Savana who is 6 to have a nice Christmas this year.

Signed, Joey

The words were deeply moving, but what stunned firefighters was the return address printed neatly on the envelope. It was that of the Benner Street fire, sparked by an electrical malfunction, that had just displaced an unseen "family of five" described by neighbors as humble, proud and polite - yet hard-pressed.

Inspired by the Vigil family, LAFD crews quickly reached out to neighbors, local businesses and community leaders - and especially those who have generously supported Southern California Firefighters' Spark of Love Toy Drive.

Two days after the fire, a surprise gathering at Fire Station 12 brought forth the magic that can only happen when a community comes together:


The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department thank the many who have kindly supported Spark of Love and other Fire Department charitable endeavors throughout the year. While not every need is dramatic, there are many heartfelt needs being fulfilled thanks to your continuing and gracious generosity.

More Heatwarming Video: [ video ] [ video ] [ video ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation Receives Prestigious Private Grant

LOS ANGELES – The non-profit Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, which serves as the major source of private support for the LAFD, has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation’s Public Safety and Security Institute. The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions, Inc.

Through this coveted grant, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation will support four Pacific Coast F.I.R.E. Academies, a program for high school students to learn firefighting, emergency medical services and organizational leadership. Academies are held at four locations throughout the City of Los Angeles, with students participating during their sophomore, junior and senior years.


While the program may be a training ground for a fire service career, it also provides an opportunity for structured physical fitness, learning emergency care and working as a team to overcome formidable challenge. Students in the program have a 100% high school graduation rate.

Speaking to the F.I.R.E. Academy, Los Angeles Fire Chief Brian Cummings said "You are my farm team for the LAFD. But even if you don’t choose a fire service career, you have worked with great mentors in gaining skills that will help you throughout life."

Matt Blakely, director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, said "We are proud to see these valuable programs make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work, such as Los Angeles.”

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation welcomes your creative ideas and energy in supporting the Firefighters and Paramedics that serve your neighborhood. To learn more about this well run and highly respected charitable organization, please visit:

SupportLAFD.org
[ video ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Help Firefighters Stuff-A-Bus in Canoga Park to Support the 'Spark of Love' Toy Drive

Please join Los Angeles Firefighters in the west San Fernando Valley this Friday, as we gather with friends and family at the Westfield Topanga Mall to "Stuff-A-Bus" full of new unwrapped toys and sporting goods to help the Spark of Love Toy Drive for needy children:

Friday, December 14, 2012
4:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Westfield Topanga Mall
6600 Topanga Canyon Boulevard
Canoga Park, CA 91303

The success of Spark of Love relies upon the goodwill of people like you. Your donation of a new unwrapped toy or sporting good will be gratefully collected for local distribution to a needy child - who would otherwise go without a gift this holiday season. Thanks for helping make the magic happen!

[ photos from last year's event ]

Do you have a favorite holiday story you'd like to share? Tell us in the comments below...

UPDATE (12/15/12): Great job everyone! Your efforts helped fill a record seven and 1/2 buses, each one holding at least 4,000 toys. Last year, five buses were stuffed.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation Honored as 2012 Top-Rated Nonprofit

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department congratulate the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, honored this week with the prestigious 2012 Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations.

"We are excited to be named a Top-Rated 2012 Nonprofit," said Karen Wagener, President of the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, which creates partnerships to provide resources, programs and equipment that assist firefighters and paramedics in protecting life, property and the environment.

"We are proud of our accomplishments this year, including providing 2,000 firefighters with new flashlights and having two LAFD helicopters outfitted with night vision goggles", Wagener added.

The Top-Rated Nonprofit award was based on the large number of positive reviews the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation received – reviews written by volunteers, donors and clients.

For example, one person wrote:

"The LAFD Foundation is an outstanding non-profit organization that has greatly assisted the Los Angeles Fire Department during these current budgetary times. As the Deputy Chief in charge of training for the Department, we have been very fortunate to have the Foundation assist with our current Leadership program, recruitment projects, and other training programs. The Foundation's funding has allowed the Training Bureau to provide a higher level of training programs that is reflected in our overall professionalism as emergency service provider. Thank you again to the Foundation and all the contributing members for all that you do for the LAFD!"

Being on the Top-Rated List comes at an important time for the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, as donors rightfully seek reputable and well-run causes for their year-end charitable giving.

To learn more about the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, call (310) 552-4139 or visit:
SupportLAFD.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Join L.A. Firefighters in the 20th Anniversary 'Spark of Love' Toy Drive

Los Angeles Firefighters have commenced the 20th Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive for needy children.

Through New Years Day, Los Angeles residents are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or sporting good to any Neighborhood Fire Station.

Through your generosity, Spark of Love provides joy to local children who would otherwise go without a gift this holiday season.

To learn more about Spark of Love in Los Angeles, call (213) 847-3816. We welcome you to join us at the many special events throughout Southern California or to donate online. Every dollar collected goes towards the purchase of toys, sports equipment and gifts for needy local children and teens.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey and Erik Scott, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Metrolink's Holiday Toy Express Arrives in Los Angeles!

Metrolink’s Holiday Toy Express has been delighting audiences for sixteen years – providing a free, enjoyable, community-based holiday experience across six Southern California counties.
The Holiday Toy Express, a 450-ton Metrolink train decorated with giant glittering ornaments, animated displays and more than 50,000 twinkling lights, will make five stops this year in the City of Los Angeles:

Friday, November 16, 2012

• 5:45 PM Holiday Toy Express debuts at Los Angeles Union Station
• 8:15 PM at the Metrolink Station in Chatsworth

Sunday, November 25, 2012

• 8:00 PM at the Metrolink Station in Sylmar/San Fernando

Sunday, December 2, 2012

• 5:00 PM at the Metrolink Station in Van Nuys
• 5:45 PM at the Metrolink Station in Northridge

Arriving with lights aglow and filling the night with toe-tapping tunes, the Holiday Toy Express offers a free live musical stage show at each stop. Following the show, children of all ages have an opportunity to meet Santa and his friends when they alight from the train. Additionally, the Holiday Toy Express supports Southern California Firefighters’ Spark of Love Toy Drive – which collects and distributes toys to needy children. Audience members are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy or sporting good to donate to this worthy cause.

So bring your friends and family to enjoy the Holiday Toy Express, meet the men and women of LAFD and support the Spark of Love Toy Drive, all at a Metrolink Station near you!

Metrolink's Holiday Toy Express will make thirty-six additional stops across Southern California. For dates, times and locations call 1-800-371-LINK or visit metrolinktrains.com

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Legendary Los Angeles Restaurant to Host Firefighter Salsa Competition

The Widows & Orphans Fund of the non-profit Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association cordially invites you to attend or support the First Annual Firefighters' Salsa Competition:

Sunday, November 11, 2012
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
El Coyote Mexican Cafe
7312 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Join us for a family-friendly benefit at a landmark restaurant, where you'll be able to:

• Eat Street Tacos with 'Hot Stuff' Salsa
• Quench Your Thirst at a No Host Margarita Bar
• Witness the Challenge Facing the 'Hot Stuff' Celebrity Judges Panel
• Dunk a Firefighter for a Small Donation
• Have your Picture Taken with a Firefighter for a Small Donation

Tickets are just $30 for Adults and $15 for Children 12 and under, and include El Coyote's Famous Street Tacos and salsa from each competing fire station team.

Click here to purchase your tickets on-line now or visit ElCoyoteCafe.com

[ event flyer ]


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Community Breakfast to Honor Women of the LAFD

The Board members of the non-profit Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation cordially invite you to join community leaders and members of our fire service family at a benefit breakfast honoring the women of the LAFD.

Thursday, November 8, 2012
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Four Seasons Hotel
300 South Doheny Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90048

LAFD Deputy Chief Roxanne Bercik will deliver the keynote speech at a warm and welcoming event that highlights the contributions of women firefighters at the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Proceeds from this event benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization that furthers the capabilities of all LAFD members in serving the community.

All are welcome. The cost is $50.00 per person. LAFD women receive complimentary admission. Kindly RSVP to: (310) 552-4171.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Join Los Angeles Firefighters in 'Making Strides' Against Breast Cancer

 

LOS ANGELES - The journey to end breast cancer starts with a single step. The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department ask you to take that step with them at one of the American Cancer Society 'Making Strides Against Breast Cancer' walks.

Just a few hours of your time will help bring a lifetime of change for people facing breast cancer and their families.

'Making Strides' events take place throughout the year, and are powerful and inspiring opportunities for us to unite as a community to honor breast cancer survivors, increase awareness of what we can do to stay well from breast cancer, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease and provide services.

Fire Chief Brian Cummings and LAFD Command Staff

We hope you will join our LAFD family and friends at the 'Making Strides' event being held:

Wednesday, October 10, 2012
5:00 PM
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Downtown L.A.
Los Angeles State Historic Park
1245 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

...if that's not possible, we trust you'll join another 'Making Strides' event near you. Learn more at:

makingstrides.acsevents.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Goes Pink - and So Can You!

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC) are pleased to join forces to promote and support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Los Angeles Firefighters will proudly wear distinctive pink t-shirts while on-duty October 8-10, 2012 to raise public awareness of this devastating disease, and to support those personally effected. Their hope is to reach thousands of people with the lifesaving message that cancer prevention and early detection can mean the difference between life and death.

Breast Cancer Facts to Consider

 

•  Breast Cancer in L.A. County is 3 times higher that of the next leading cancer.
•  Second leading cause of mortality among Caucasian, African American, and Asian / Pacific Islander females.
•  Leading cause of mortality among Latina/ Hispanic women in L.A. County.
•  Late diagnosis carries a survival rate of less than 7%.
•  Early diagnosis and treatment has a survival rate of over 91%.
•  #1 mortality rate of females between the age of 21-40 years of age in L.A. County.

Order Yours Today $20

Please join your neighborhood firefighters in supporting this cause. Click on the link below to purchase a LAFD/Local-112 Pink T-Shirt and promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

lafdgoespink.com

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Food Faire in Woodland Hills to Benefit Local LAPD/LAFD Responders

WOODLAND HILLS - The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles Police Officers welcome you to join them:

Thursday, October 4, 2012
11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
'Grateful Hearts' LAFD/LAPD Food Faire and Fundraiser
21800 block of Oxnard Street
(between Owensmouth Avenue and AMC Place)
Woodland Hills, CA 91367

This popular event - now in its 8th year, brings San Fernando Valley residents and business leaders together in support of neighborhood firefighters and community police officers who serve the region.

In addition to live entertainment, there will be emergency equipment displays and food booths from local businesses. A large contingent of LAPD and LAFD personnel will be on site to personally thank the community for their partnership in public safety.

Were that not enough... firefighters will be staffing the "Mother of All Barbecues", with bountiful portions of firehouse-style tri-tip, grilled chicken and more!

For information on Grateful Hearts, call the Valley Cultural Center: (818) 704-1358


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Duo Join 'Fire Service Cancer Awareness' Ride

CALIFORNIA - Veteran Los Angeles Firefighter Jason Teter and LAFD Cadet Byron Collins, have joined the 2012 Fire Velo San Francisco Bay to Los Angeles "Fire Service Cancer Awareness Bicycle Ride".

Teter, a twelve-year LAFD veteran is a former Police Officer. Collins, seeking a career at the Los Angeles Fire Department, volunteers as a Fire Cadet and member of the LAFD's Type II Handcrew.

The pair proudly join 30 cyclists making the nearly 500-mile trek on bicycles to raise charitable funds and support public awareness of cancer among the men and women of America's Fire Service.

We warmly welcome you to join their families, colleagues and friends on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at the Santa Monica Pier, where the riders will conclude their inspiring journey.

For arrival time and additional information, please visit: www.firevelo.com


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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