Our Impact
Providing essential support to the community throughout the year
Our Impact Together
Your generosity over the past year has truly been the lifeline of our mission, helping us equip and support the first responders who keep our community safe.
We are profoundly grateful for your unwavering partnership and commitment to a safer San Diego.
Wellness Center
This year, SDFD opened its new Health & Safety Wellness Center, offering firefighters and lifeguards comprehensive care, from annual exams and cancer screenings to behavioral health, nutrition counseling, and physical therapy.
Thanks to generous community support, the Foundation fully furnished the facility without using taxpayer funds. With dedicated offices, training spaces, and resources for recovering personnel, the center is already saving lives and reducing City costs through early detection and faster return-to-work times.
“The Wellness Center represents a major step forward and has set the national standard for how we care for our firefighters and lifeguards. It’s improving health outcomes, strengthening our readiness, and getting our people back to full duty more quickly. The fact that this facility was fully outfitted through grants and donations is humbling, but it speaks volumes about the community’s commitment to those who serve.” -Battalion Chief Kyle Smith
Ladder Belts
Ladder belts provide critical fall protection for firefighters working on aerial ladders that can extend over 100 feet high. A recent safety review found that all existing belts had exceeded their recommended service life, creating an urgent need for replacement. With community support, the Foundation replaced this essential safety equipment, protecting lives and ensuring firefighters can operate with confidence during high-risk emergencies.
“A fall from a 100-foot aerial ladder can have catastrophic consequences. Ladder belts provide the only fall protection our firefighters have when operating at such precarious heights. When we discovered our belts were beyond their service life, replacing them became a top priority. This donation directly enhances firefighter safety and saves lives.” -Deputy Chief Ted Moran
Lifeguard Division
In January, the Foundation proudly funded the purchase of 30 new custom drysuits and 30 personal flotation devices (PFDs) for the San Diego Lifeguard Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Team, made possible through a grant from the San Diego River Conservancy. This new equipment replaced aging drysuits that had exceeded their service life, ensuring that our lifeguards are fully prepared for future flood and swiftwater emergencies.
“This donation has a direct impact on the safety of our lifeguards and the people we serve. The new drysuits and PFDs allow our Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Team to respond with greater protection and confidence during the most dangerous flood conditions. Our partnership with the San Diego River Conservancy and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation is invaluable.” -Lifeguard Chief James Gartland
Your Donations Also Provided Funding For
- Wildfire Risk Reduction Projects
- Resource Access Program (RAP)
- Community Outreach & Education
- CERT San Diego
- Women's Fire Prep Academy
- EMT Training Program
- SDFD Honor Guard & Chaplain Program
- Fire station enhancements like fitness equipment, small kitchen appliances, and mattresses
Thank You for Supporting Our Community
Your generous contributions this past year have had a significant impact on our community, ensuring the safety and protection of our fire-rescue personnel and residents. We are deeply grateful for your support, which is essential to our mission.
We invite you to continue making a difference as a community partner through a monthly or annual tax-deductible gift to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation. Your ongoing support helps enhance public safety across San Diego and the surrounding region.
Together, we can keep our fire-rescue personnel and communities safe. Please consider supporting the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation today.