About Us
who we are
Formed in 2005, the San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by former firefighters and dedicated community leaders to help provide the unmet needs of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD). Tax-deductible donations to the Fire Rescue Foundation directly support the work of San Diego’s fire-rescue personnel.
our mission
Our mission is to provide enhanced equipment, training, technology, and community education resources so the men and women of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department are better equipped to protect the residents, property, and environment of San Diego and the surrounding region.
ABOUT SDFD
Each day, our fire-rescue personnel – firefighters, lifeguards, and emergency medical personnel – serve more than 1.4 million San Diegans and visitors and cover nearly 343 square miles. Rigorously trained to treat all types of injuries and meet any challenge, the men and women of the SDFD are here to serve our community.
the problem
The importance of our fire-rescue personnel’s work is undeniable. Unfortunately, due to drastic budget cuts, the city government can only do so much to support public services. With a tough economy, our fire-rescue personnel often go without specialized equipment and training that would make them safer and their actions more effective.
the solution
The Fire Rescue Foundation provides the means to introduce and/or improve equipment, training, technology and community education resources that will enable our firefighters, lifeguards and paramedics to perform their tasks more safely, effectively, and efficiently to the benefit of our San Diego community. Your support keeps our world-class Fire-Rescue Department at the top of its ability to serve.
Recruiting for SDFD
I recently sat down for a cup of coffee with Capt. Jason Shanley to talk about recruitment. If there's anyone who doesn't need coffee, it's Capt. Shanley. With a big smile and ready laugh, he talks a mile a minute and loves to joke. But he's serious about recruiting....
Technical Rescue Team (TRT)
In 2021, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department responded to nearly 1,500 rescues. Many of those involved hikers, bikers, and horseback riders caught in dangerous conditions. While people can be carried or airlifted from a trail, mountain, or canyon, a rescue involving...
Station 18
If you walk your dog in Normal Heights and it needs a drink of water or a dog biscuit, you know you can stop by Fire Station 18. There are always a couple of bowls out front. It’s just that kind of place. Serving Normal Heights and Kensington, the crews want to be...