23 Years and Still Going Strong
The LAFRA Extinguisher Fund was born back in 1996. Due to the efforts of each and every LAFD firefighter and fire station, here it is 23 years later and still going strong.
The first polished brass fire extinguisher went up in 1996 at Fire Station 49. The first time I emptied the extinguisher container on the kitchen table to count the money, I found many different items as you can see from the photos: nuts, washers, screws, paper cups and I think that’s a cigar butt. Someone out there probably recognizes that cigar? I did find some change and that is what we wanted for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighters Fund.
As time went on, many more fire stations wanted an Extinguisher. By 2004, each LAFD station was equipped with an extinguisher mounted conspicuously on a wall, and started collecting “change” like you see in the other photo, for the WODFF.
Since the start of the “Extinguisher Fund,” donations to the WODFF now total approximately $96,000 dollars. How did all this come about? It is because of you, and all the LAFD fire stations and facilities that bring their donations to the Relief Association.
The Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighters Fund is here for you, your families and fellow firefighters when in need. The Extinguisher Fund program is just one way to help continue your support for this Fund.
Thank you for continuing to contribute to the LAFRA WODFF Extinguisher Fund.
By Ted Bailie