A WODFF Recipient Gives Back
There is a special connection between Emily Pizinger and her volunteer work for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund — her dad, Michael A. Pizinger.
When asked what drew her to helping the charity Emily said, “I was a recipient of the fund.”
Emily and her dad, a young LAFD Captain fondly nicknamed “Pinky,” enjoyed a close relationship. In 1998, when Emily was a pre-teen, her dad was killed in a scuba diving accident while training to be an LAFD diver.
She continually honors her fond memories and remembers the impact her father had on many people’s lives. A few years ago, Emily was asked to give a speech at the LAFD Memorial, and she found herself seated next to Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti. She calls the experience “a healing journey.”
As soon as she heard of the opportunity to volunteer for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund, she wanted to help. She first stepped up for the annual LAFD Invitational Golf tournament, one of the charity’s biggest fundraisers.
Emily pours her heart into volunteering as a way to give back. “It’s for an incredible cause,” she said. “There are no words that can describe volunteering and being a part of something great to help a family in need. In the act of doing so, there’s so much more that happens.”
Emily said she experienced the ultimate compliment when firefighters called her ‘Pinky’s daughter’ after recognizing the family resemblance. “Coming together and being a part of the tourney allows me to feel close to my dad again. Whatever I can do for families; I remember what it was like. The LAFD was there for my family and words cannot express my gratitude.”
From Torrance to San Francisco, Emily is a California girl at heart. She has lived in several cities in the Golden State and has called L.A. her home for the past five years. With a passion for being outdoors she particularly enjoys spending her time rock climbing and, of course, volunteering.
By Madeline Wright
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To learn more about volunteering with the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund visit the volunteer section of our website at www.wodff.org/volunteer
If you wish to donate to help firefighter families in need, go to www.wodff.org or mail a donation to:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund
P.O. Box 41903
Los Angeles, CA. 90041