It’s nearly impossible to sum up the positive impact that 40 years of donations can have on an organization like the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. It’s doubtful that Sam Brown, a long-term and consistent donor to the charity, would take issue with our inability to do so. As he put it, “I don’t do it for the acknowledgments but because I want to help.”
Thanks to Sam Brown Leather Shields, the Widows & Orphans Fund is able to provide some of the most popular and meaningful prizes at our various fundraising events throughout the year. Sam donates the red leather firefighter helmet shields used for the winning team plaques at the LAFD Invitational golf tournament. He also creates customized shields for other items whenever needed. Prizes and trophies that incorporate the firefighter helmet or personalized shield are always special to those who win them; both the civilians who have come to support the LAFD and the firefighters themselves. It’s proof that donations of time and skill can be just as important to an organization as monetary contributions.
As a retired firefighter, Sam is well aware of just how big a role the firefighting community plays in the lives of these hardworking men and women. “I worked for 30 years with great men and no matter where I go I find camaraderie with firemen all over the country.” Likewise, he understands the specials needs faced by the families of firefighters and disabled firefighters. He has supported the charity for the past four decades due to his belief the organization does a great job serving these needs and the gratitude that he himself never had to turn to Widows & Orphans for assistance during his firefighting career.
Sam started making his leather helmet shields back when he was still an active firefighter in the station house at 89’s. It was a small endeavor at first, but over the years he has built his business on the principles of quality workmanship, timely delivery, and hassle-free customer service. His big break was a sizable order for a department in the City of Gardena. Since then, his leather shields have been purchased by about 4,000 other departments and even as gifts for the likes of President Ronald Reagan and Disney’s Michael Eisner. Even though he’s now based in Nicholasville, KY, he still maintains his ties to the LAFD and the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
To learn more about the products offered by Sam Brown Shields, please visit his website at sambrownshields.com.
By Jody Houser