There is a special connection between Emily Pizinger and her volunteer work for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund — her dad, Michael A. Pizinger.
When asked what drew her to helping the charity Emily said, “I was a recipient of the fund.”
Emily and her dad, a young LAFD Captain fondly nicknamed “Pinky,” enjoyed a close relationship. In 1998, he passed away in a scuba diving accident when Emily was just a pre-teen.
She continually honors her fond memories and remembers the impact her father had on many people’s lives. Emily once gave a speech at the LAFD Memorial, finding herself seated next to Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti. She calls the experience “a healing journey.”
As soon as she heard of the opportunity to volunteer for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund, she wanted to help, stepping up for the annual LAFD Invitational golf tournament, one of the charity’s biggest fundraisers.
Emily pours her heart into volunteering as a way to give back. “It’s for an incredible cause,” she said. “There are no words that can describe volunteering and being a part of something great to help a family in need. In the act of doing so, there’s so much more that happens.”
Emily said she experienced the ultimate compliment when firefighters called her ‘Pinky’s daughter’ after recognizing the family resemblance.
“Coming together and being a part of the tourney allows me to feel close to my dad again. Whatever I can do for families; I remember what it was like, the LAFD was there for my family and words cannot express my gratitude.”
From Torrance to San Francisco, Emily is a California girl at heart. She has lived in several cities in the Golden State and has called L.A. her home for the past five years. With a passion for being outdoors she particularly enjoys spending her time rock climbing and, of course, volunteering.
To learn more about volunteering with the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund visit our volunteer section.
If you wish to donate to help firefighter families in need, click here, or mail a donation to:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
7470 N. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA. 90041
By Madeline Wright