Building Community through Service in Carlsbad

As Thanksgiving fast approaches, it is important to highlight the value of community, service, and volunteerism this month. When measuring all of the things that we have to be thankful for, the people in our lives who have helped us along the way are always the ones that stand out the most. During the pandemic, we’ve learned that relationships are important and that isolation renews our appreciation of the people who have continued to support those in need and offer their services to the community free of charge. As we think about the people and the things that we’re thankful for this year, the nonprofit organizations that serve our community should make the list. One of those organizations – a group that is fueled by their commitment to human health and safety – is the Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation.

The Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that was created to support the Carlsbad Fire Department through funding, community outreach, scholarships, and public education. It was created by a small group of local citizens in February of 2014. They created the Foundation to enhance fire and rescue services in the community and have since broadened their scope to support education and community outreach in order to help serve the heroes that serve us. 

For the firefighting community, these services are priceless. The Foundation raises money to purchase chemical detox chambers for firefighters, ring removal tools, enhanced hose couplers for the jaws of life, and college scholarships. 

Detox chambers are an essential and necessary part of maintaining safety for the firefighters that save our lives. Firefighters are regularly exposed to toxins and chemicals that can cause cancer later in life. The chambers allow workers to excrete these toxic chemicals through medical-grade infrared heating technology. 

For victims of tragedy, ring removal tools can mean the difference between a severe injury and a safe exit. Things like wedding rings often need to be removed quickly to prevent hands from being crushed or burned, and ring removal tools can help make sure that rings are removed quickly and safely.  

In fire emergencies, time is of the essence. When seconds count, connecting two fire hoses into one for access to damaging flames is crucial. Enhanced hose couplers allow firefighters to combine two hoses quickly without leaking the hydraulic fluid that puts out flames before they cause devastating damage. 

And finally, education is the fuel that runs a successful community. The Foundation helps to provide college scholarships to the dependents of the Carlsbad Fire Department workforce.

The city of Carlsbad is so grateful to all of the organizations that make our city thrive and support our community in times of need. The Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation is an important part of our community that we’re thankful for this month and throughout the entire year.

Traditionally, the Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation hosts an annual Golf Tournament & Fundraiser at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in November. This year, the event has been postponed but be sure to visit their website to learn about new opportunities to support the Foundation and our firefighters.