When the Altadena wildfire roared through Captain Jerry Puga’s neighborhood in January 2025, flames and embers rained down on every street. As he returned to smoldering ruins, he found something stronger than fire: a wave of community care led by the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund. From late-night phone calls checking on his family to gift cards and relief … [Read more...] about From Ashes to Renewal: How Ember Rain Sparked the Pugas’ Rebuild
Donations In Action
2025 Memorial Scholarship Winners
Ryan Curtis / Dennis Mendenhall Scholarship University, College or School Attending: Cal Lutheran Your Area of Study/Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education and Career Goals: To earn my degree from Cal Lutheran, then attend medical school to become an emergency medicine physician. What inspires you? My mom is my greatest … [Read more...] about 2025 Memorial Scholarship Winners
Giving to disabled LAFD firefighters from the heart
When a firefighter gets severely injury on the job, it can be a nightmare for the family. If tragedy strikes the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firefighter’s Fund is there. Every year the charity holds a spectacular fundraiser, the LAFD Invitational charity golf tournament. We caught up with Mollie Vehling at the event. She’s the wife of retired LAFD Captain I, Derek Vehling, who … [Read more...] about Giving to disabled LAFD firefighters from the heart
$25,000 Scholarship Awarded to Son of A Fallen LAFD Hero
He gave his time, his love and his soul to fellow firefighter families in need. Tragically, he gave his life as a hero on the LAFD. Now the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund is giving back to the family of fallen Firefighter III Henry Munoz. His son, Jacob, now awarded a $25,000 scholarship to pursue his dreams. At an emotional ceremony at the Los Angeles … [Read more...] about $25,000 Scholarship Awarded to Son of A Fallen LAFD Hero
A Hero Remembered: Firefighters and Cancer
Lori Harris, the wife of an LAFD firefighter who passed away in his thirties, shares her personal story and tells us why the difficult journey inspired her to assist other surviving spouses. Bret Harris was a proud member of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. His battle with cancer also motivated Lori to get involved in efforts to educate first responders about the many … [Read more...] about A Hero Remembered: Firefighters and Cancer