• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Firefighter's Fund logo

Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter's Fund

Give to A Hero

  • Amazon
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Make a Difference
    • Your Donations In Action
    • Sponsor Showcase
    • Our LAFD Heroes
  • Other Ways to Give
    • Firefighter Go Bag Donations
    • Firefighter Crafts T-shirt To Raise Funds
    • Amazon Wishlist
    • Ralphs Rewards
    • Evite Giving
    • GoFundMe
    • Online Auctions
    • Vehicle Donations
    • Muertos Coffee Co.
    • Donate Products / Services
    • Grants & Corporate Giving
    • Employer Matching
    • Create a Legacy
    • Extinguisher Fund
  • Volunteer
  • Events
    • Drill Tower Graduations
    • Golf Tournament
    • Salute to Firefighters Festival
    • LAFD Pickleball Tournament
    • Hook & Ladder Desert Race
    • Softball Tournament
    • Other Fundraisers
  • Meet Our Supporters
  • About Us
    • Our Charity
    • L.A. Firemen’s Relief Association
    • Family Support Group
    • Connect With Us
    • Photo Gallery
    • Share Your Photos
    • eNewsletter
    • Meet the Board
    • Careers / Employment
    • In the News
  • Donate Now

Many Ways to Help

Rick GodinezStarted by firefighters for firefighters, the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund has been an important part of the LAFD community for more than a century. The charity’s success depends on the hard work and commitment of our leaders, volunteers and supporters. Few exemplify that level of dedication more than Captain II Rick Godinez, a Trustee of the organization and a familiar face at many of charity’s annual fundraisers. Rick is a perfect example of someone who has found a wide variety of ways in which to serve an organization dedicated to serving others.

The number of positions that Godinez has held in his 29 years with the LAFD is impressive: Firefighter, Staff Assistant, Disaster Preparedness Instructor, Urban Search and Rescue Specialist (CATF-1), Public Information Officer, Drill Tower Instructor, Captain I, Captain II and Dept. Chaplain. The last position in particular has given him insight into the needs of firefighter families facing tragedy. “As a Chaplain, it is real blessing for me to work closely with the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund,” Godinez shared, “as we both work to assist our members in time of need.”

In his four years as a member of the Board of Trustees, Godinez has worked at events such as Hope for Firefighters and the LAFD Invitational golf tournament, as well as employing his efforts behind the scenes to provided needed assistance to firefighter families. “Currently, I chair the Scholarship Committee that is dedicated to providing assistance to students that exemplify academic and personal achievements,” he stated.

Rick Godinez and Scholarship Winner, Jessica Urquiza
Rick Godinez and Scholarship Winner,
Jessica Urquiza

Beyond serving as a face for the organization, Godinez often serves as a voice as well. “Some of the other work I am proud to be part of is working with our Marketing Department, whether it’s doing voice-over work or videos to showcase some of our members or the benefits that the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund provides.” As the internet and social media become more central to our lives, such videos become an essential way of reaching firefighters and supporters alike.

Godinez enjoys spending his time working alongside the members of the community at large who devote their time for the benefit of the LAFD. “There are many talented and dedicated people that volunteer their time and talents, but know there is always room for more volunteers,” he said. “We welcome the public as a partner in our mission to helping firefighters and their families.”

Firefighters know better than anyone how dangerous their occupation can be and how important it is that the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund is there for them. Godinez sums it up best. “Simply put, I believe in the organization. I respect the work that is done here. It is a legitimate organization that is devoted to helping people, specifically our own LAFD family.”

by Jody Houser

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • X

Related

Primary Sidebar

FOLLOW

    instagram

YouTube  flickr  

SAFETY TIPS

Fire-Wise garden tips

“Fire-Wise” Your Garden.

Learn about beautiful native gardens that are also fire resistant.
Read More

All Things Firefighter

  • Firefighter Inspired
  • Firefighter History
  • Fire Dogs
  • Firehouse Eats
  • LAFD Legacy
  • Furry Rescues
  • Fire Gear
  • Fire Heroes
  • Firefighters + Artists
  • Safety Tips

RECENT

  • 2025 Memorial Scholarship Winners
  • Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters
  • LAFD on TV: Going Behind-the-Scenes of the Hit Series “9-1-1”

POPULAR

pancake breakfast Hope for Firefighters bank charity local business chaplain dogs financial institution PTSD media food festival IPA Beer softball Fire Axe fundraiser los angeles celebrity firefighter fire dogs Beneficiary Motorcycle Hero charity event chef hope shopping Supporter fire station LAFD volunteer firemen golf tournament event firefighters Fire Hogs bowling fallen firefighters video Family LA Marathon widows Lane Kemper medal of valor sponsor charity auction golf Donor rescue law Muster Games

Copyright © 2025 · Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter's Fund