Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

“You’re standing on hallowed ground.” That’s what retired Los Angeles County Fire Captain Brent Burton told students from the Los Angeles Chargers Impact Fund’s Bolt Academy as they stepped into the historic African American Firefighter Museum. As part of a field trip focused on leadership, identity, and empowerment, the students explored the untold history of Black firefighters in Los Angeles — from the first Black firefighter, Sam Haskins, to the challenges of segregation and the fight for integration within the fire service. Students heard stories of resilience and courage and even got hands-on experience with early firefighting tools and equipment. These students walked away inspired, informed, and forever changed. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gWusNTWV

We are incredibly grateful for Genesis’s support and honored to be part of California Rises. The generous vehicle donation to the LAFD marks the single largest in-kind contribution the LAFD Foundation has ever received. Thank you to Hyundai Motor America and Genesis Motor America, and all the partners who made this possible. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on our firefighters and the communities they serve.

Introducing March's Firefighter of the Month: Firefighter Matthew Riveros from Metropolitan Fire Communications. At just 18 years old, Riveros witnessed the expertise and compassion of LAFD firefighters firsthand when they saved both his baby sister and his father’s lives. Those life-changing moments inspired his path in the fire service, leading him to LAFD in 2008. After a decade in the field, Firefighter Riveros took on a new challenge—joining LAFD Metropolitan Fire Communications (MFC), where he now helps save lives from behind the scenes, fielding thousands of 911 calls each year. From working 23 straight days during the January 2025 wildfires to coaching a caller through CPR that ultimately saved a life, his dedication never wavers. “It’s not a dream anymore,” Firefighter Riveros said when asked if being a firefighter is his dream job. “I’m living it.” Read more of his story here: https://lnkd.in/gFFfDWNT The Firefighter of the Month program is brought to you by Marathon Los Angeles Refinery.

Thank you, San Diego Tourism Authority, for your generous support of Los Angeles' first responders. It’s inspiring to see creativity and community come together to make a meaningful impact. Your donation will help ensure our firefighters have the resources they need to protect and serve.

We are honored to share that the Los Angeles Business Journal has recognized the LAFD Foundation as the Community Impact Nonprofit of the Year. This event celebrated the outstanding work of nonprofits and the businesses that support them. From dedicated nonprofit leaders and teams to the generous individuals and companies who give their time, resources, and expertise to uplift their communities, this program was a tribute to those who are making a difference in our communities We are grateful for this recognition and remain committed to supporting the LAFD and the first responders serving Los Angeles daily. Thank you to the Los Angeles Business Journal and to everyone who make our mission possible.

Huge thanks to Voodoo Doughnut for supporting the LAFD Foundation with the LA Heart doughnut—a sweet way to give back. Make sure to stop by, grab a treat, and support your local firefighters. Hope to see you there!

Introducing February's Firefighter of the Month: Haz Mat Firefighter Mark McLean from Fire Station 48. When 18-year-old Mark McLean told his father he wanted to be a firefighter, his father replied, “Come back to me when you’re ready.” Years later, after playing professional baseball, building a career in aerospace engineering, and joining the East County Fire Protection District in San Diego, McLean finally understood—firefighting isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. His dream became a reality in 2004 when he graduated from LAFD’s Drill Tower 40. Over the past 21 years, he has served at some of the busiest stations, from Fire Station 9 to Fire Station 66, where both his father and uncle once worked. As a Haz Mat Task Force member and Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) specialist, McLean has played a crucial role in responding to major incidents, including the Alameda CNG explosion and the lithium-ion battery truck fire near the Port of LA. “This is the best job in the world,” McLean said. “I’m not going to say it takes a different type of person to be a firefighter, but it does take a different mindset.” Read more about Firefighter McLean’s incredible journey here: https://lnkd.in/gFFfDWNT The Firefighter of the Month program is brought to you by Marathon Los Angeles Refinery.

Thank you Jacobs for your support in our mission to protect those who protect us.

We are incredibly grateful to Eataly, Chef Massimo Bottura, and the esteemed chefs joining him for this extraordinary event. Gather for Good is a true testament to the power of community, and we are honored to be a beneficiary of this meaningful evening.

We’re thrilled to partner with BORN X RAISED and United Talent Agency (UTA) Ventures to support the LAFD. The response from the community has been incredible, and we’re grateful for everyone who has helped make this collaboration possible. A huge thank you to UTA, the UTA Foundation, and the End to End team for their dedication to this project.