With the LAFD’s five-year hiring freeze now at an end, there are plenty of potential new recruits out there who dream of joining the department and helping out their community. One of these is Phi Tran, who found another way to get involved with the LAFD family when the hiring freeze was still in effect. Starting in early 2013, Phi began volunteering for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
“I chose to donate my time because I am interested in a career with the LAFD,” said Phi. “I began familiarizing myself with the department and on my spare time, I wanted to learn more about the organizations that worked alongside the LAFD. The more research I did about Widows & Orphans… the more I felt like I’d fit in. So as a 2013 New Year’s resolution, I chose to spend the time I had helping Widows & Orphans.”
Phi has devoted a great deal of time to the charity, including assisting in event prep and other office duties, accepting and delivering donations, selling tickets for the annual Golf Ball Drop, and volunteering at the 2013 LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament. He says that his time spent helping the charity has brought him a great deal of satisfaction. “I’ve sat behind the desk at the Widows & Orphans office and I’ve seen and heard it all… I feel good about being part of a team like Widows & Orphans.”
As someone whose goal is joining the LAFD, Phi has a clear understanding of the important role that Widows & Orphans plays in the firefighter community. “A department like the LAFD requires staffing of sworn and non-sworn personnel to operate. And with such a large organization, Widows & Orphans fits in just right to provide LAFD personnel the support they and their families need.”
Volunteers who hope to join the LAFD, such as Phi, play an essential role in many of our annual fundraising events. And, once they become firefighters, serve as important ambassadors to the community. If you’d like to volunteer like Phi, visit wodff.org/volunteer.
By Jody Houser