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 do. As the surviving spouse of 3rd generation LAFD Fire Captain II Sean P. Stilson, Deb says the compassion and support of people such as Relief Association Trustee Rick Godinez, who also was head chaplain at the time of Sean’s passing, made a big difference. She is extremely grateful for the kindness of her late husband’s colleagues, especially Captain Tony Navarro. As she moves into this new adventure, Deb says she and her sons and co-founders Cole and Tyler (a 4th generation LAFD firefighter) have grown even closer through the new vineyard.
The family is proud to own and operate Stilson Cellars in Paso Robles, California. Watch as the three of them explain how they did it and invite everyone to enjoy a glass of their latest vintage.
About Our Organization
Deb and Tyler are each proud members of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association. Since 1906, Los Angeles City Firefighters have entrusted the L.A. Firemen’s Relief Association to be there for them and those they leave behind. The needs of firefighters are unique because the profession poses many dangers and consequences. Founded on the mission of “firefighters helping firefighters,” the Relief offers programs and assistance for firefighters and their families. The organization also administers the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to helping the families of LAFD firefighters facing a serious crisis, such as being injured or killed in the line of duty. Thanks to kind and generous contributions, the charity makes a significant impact and provides much needed care for the people served, such as assisting with basic living expenses, health insurance premiums, providing durable medical equipment, and awarding memorial scholarships to children of firefighters who died while active duty.
