Susan VandePol’s life changed forever after her husband, LAFD firefighter Robert Ortega, passed away. Navigating through the devastating loss, alongside her children, Susan felt a special calling to pursue a new purpose. Lifted up by her faith and the strength of her beliefs, Susan is dedicated to giving a voice to those who need support […]
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Stilson Cellars Wine: A Firefighter Family’s Dream Come True
Making wine along the beautiful Central California coast seemed like a distant dream when Relief Association member Deb Stilson first imagined it. But a leap of faith and a lot of hard work have turned that vision into an exciting new career and lifestyle. At Stilson Cellars, family is at the heart of everything they […]
Continue ReadingA Strong Team: LAFD Fire Captain II Victor Aguirre and Hank the Service Dog
After surviving a massive commercial fire and explosion in Downtown Los Angeles, LAFD Captain II Victor Aguirre welcomes a new recruit to his personal crew: Hank the Service Dog. Working together at the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation, Victor and Hank are teaming up as Victor marches forward on the road to recovery. Since severe burns […]
Continue ReadingA Hero Remembered: Firefighters and Cancer
Lori Harris, the wife of an LAFD firefighter who passed away in his thirties, shares her personal story and tells us why the difficult journey inspired her to assist other surviving spouses. Bret Harris was a proud member of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. His battle with cancer motivated Lori to get involved in […]
Continue ReadingHidden Heroes: Family Support Group
As our LAFD heroes put themselves at risk, some lesser-known heroes are always alongside them. These are the wives, husbands, sons and daughters, who sacrifice so much, yet ask for so little in return. Family members like Valerie Lawrence, who now is dedicated to helping other LAFD families coping with the loss of a fallen […]
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