THE LAFD + LAFD FOUNDATION
Every 35 seconds, the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) responds to an emergency. From traffic collisions to swift-water rescues, and stranded hikers to heart attacks, The Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) handles an endless variety of urban, industrial, residential, wildland, and transportation-related incidents.
The Department’s 106 stations cover 471 square miles including LAX, the Port of Los Angeles, and some of the nation’s most populated freeways.
Despite the breadth and scope of what the LAFD covers, its firefighters often have needs that the city’s budget cannot fulfill. As the LAFD’s official non-profit partner, the LAFD Foundation channels community support into tangible resources that protect homes and save lives.
WHY THE FOUNDATION EXISTS
Budget limitations continually hinder the LAFD's ability to secure needed tools, technology, and equipment. Since 97% of the city’s fire budget is allocated towards salaries and benefits, only about 3% is left to cover the cost of everything from fire engines to flashlights.
The LAFD Foundation supports the LAFD in protecting life, property, and the environment by providing essential equipment, education, and programs to supplement city resources.
The LAFD Foundation assists every LAFD firefighter in some way by providing crucial pieces of equipment that help keep them safe in the life of duty. Recent examples include new structure fire safety gloves, carcinogen-blocking, flame-resistant hoods, and heavy-duty rescue flashlights.
The LAFD Foundation has also assisted the Department by providing specialized equipment such as a wildland bulldozer, night-vision flight goggles, thermal imaging cameras, drones, and swift-water rescue boats.
For more information on the LAFD Foundation’s mission and funding priorities, please visit supportLAFD.org or call (310) 552-4139.