Burbank Firefighters Donate $10,000 

to Burbank/Burroughs Memorial Field

The Burbak Firefighters donated $10,000 to the Burbank/Burroughs Memorial Stadium project.  What the Firefighters are most proud of, is that they never solicit money from the community to turn around and donate it and take credit for the donation.  100% of Burbank Firefighter donations come from our Community Service Fund that is solely funded from money deducted directly from all members' paychecks.  The Stadium was dedicated on February 25th, 2012 and is truly a thing of beauty.  It will be a great asset for kids and citizens throughout our great city.  Above, Burbank Firefighters pose in front of a wall in front of Memorial Field that recognizes $10,000 donors.  Pictured are (L-R): Captain Mark Hatch, BFF Director Peter Hendrickson, BFF President Mike McDonald, Michael Hastings (Fundraiser for Memorial Field), Engineer Paul Magnante and Firefighter/PM Jim Carrick.

Below, Burbank Firefighters pose in front of the goalpost pads that recognize the Firefighters for their contribution to the project.

A Salute to the Seven Burbank Firefighter Retirees from 2011

Seven Burbank Firefighters who retired during the year of 2011 were honored recently at the Burbank Marriott.  Approximately 150 came to pay tribute to a great group of retirees.  The retirees were a hard working and well liked group that will truly missed in the years to come.  The list of retirees included:

* Lew Stone (1981-2011) Fire Captain/Haz Mat and BFF President for 25 years (Current Sec/Tres of California Professional Firefighters)

* Bobby Boller (1979-2011) Firefighter/Paramedic

* Kevin Parkes (1979-2011) Firefighter/Haz Mat 

* Brian Williamson (1979-2011) Engineer/Paramedic

* John Nare (1983-2011) Captain/Paramedic/Arson Investigator

* John Haws (1979-2011) Captain/Haz Mat

* Ron Bell (1976-2011) Captain/PIO

Below, the retirees pose with Assembyman Mike Gatto, who came to make a special presentation.  Pictured from left to right:  President Mike McDonald, John Nare, Brian Williamson, Kevin Parkes, Assemblyman Mike Gatto, John Haws, Bobby Boller, Lew Stone and Sec/Tres. Travont White.

Burbank Firefighters Local 778 Presents $41,862 Check to MDA Live at the Telethon

     After exerting great efforts in the spirit of fundraising for charity, the Burbank Firefighters raised a total of $41,862 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Mainly through their efforts during the "Fill The Boot Campaign", as well as ice cream scooping at Ben & Jerry's, the Firefighters were able to raise the impressive amount.  Since The International Association of Firefighters chose the MDA as its charity of choice many years ago, Locals and Fire departments across the United States and Canada work to raise money for the cause each year.  Incredibly, even though the Burbank Fire Department is comparatively small with only six fire stations, the Burbank Firefighters' total of over $41,000 placed them in the top 50 of earners amongst Fire Departments across the U.S. and Canada.  Due to their success, they were invited to present their check, in person and on air, at the annual Labor Day MDA  Telethon.  

     The Burbank Firefighters would like to thank the City of Burbank and The Burbank Fire Department for their support which made the fundraising possible.  Most of all, we would like to thank the Burbank residents and members of the neighboring communities who donated so generously during these tough economic times.  

Photos:

(Left) - (Left to Right)  Director Grant Stephens and President Mike McDonald present a $41,862 check to Sharon Tay at the Telethon.

(Right) - Stephens and McDonald pose with the entire cast of the MDA Telethon 

Burbank Firefighters Win Gold Medal in Beach Volleyball At World Police/Fire Games in New York

Burbank Firefighters Volunteer to Help Build a Habitat for Humanity Home

On Friday, August 26, several Burbank Firefighters volunteered to help Habitat for Humanity build a home for a needy family.  Local #778 Members worked on drywall, windows, stucco, and pretty much anything else you could think of.  The volunteers committed over eight hours of their off-duty time to work for a great cause.  No other volunteers were present that day.  The Burbank Firefighters showed up big to get a lot of work done on the home.  Below is a small statement regarding what Habitat for Humanity is all about.

Habitat for Humanity International is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat and its homeowner families have built or rehabilitated more than 400,000 houses. A nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing ministry, Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build together in partnership.They build houses that are simple, decent, and affordable to low-income families around the world.