Programs we’re proud of
At Local 4759, community engagement is at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment extends beyond emergency response, encompassing a variety of programs that support and uplift our community. We proudly participate in initiatives such as Fill the Boot for the Fire Institute, collaborate with the Boy Scouts of America, and actively take part in events like the San Diego Stairclimb and San Diego Firefighter Aid. Through these efforts, we strive to make a positive impact, demonstrating our dedication to serving and strengthening the community we protect.
The San Diego Stair Climb
Why We Climb
Each year, approximately 100 Firefighters die while serving their communities. Many more die from cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, stroke, and other injuries and illnesses suffered as a result of their service. We can work together to honor these sacrifices and care for the Firefighters who assume these risks and the families who share them.
Details
Join this living memorial in 2023 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront for the 21st anniversary commemoration of 9/11/01. Firefighters, Police Officers, Military Personnel, and Civilians will join together in a spirit of remembrance and courage to honor the memories of those lost 19 years ago. Teams and individuals will climb 110 flights of stairs, the same number as in the twin towers, wearing the name of a fallen Emergency Responder whose life was lost on that day. We climb in memory, and to honor each of the fallen 343 FDNY, 23 NYPD, and 37 Port Authority heroes, and to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by Firefighters everywhere.
About The SD911MSC
The only event of its kind in the region, the San Diego 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a unique and powerful experience shared by thousands of patriots every year. Annually, hundreds of Firefighters, Public Safety Officers, civilians, and family members gather at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront to honor the memories of the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to create an experience none of us will ever forget.
In 2023 the #SD911MSC will raise funds for charities that strive to serve those who serve in uniform.
San Diego FirefighterAid
FirefighterAid is dedicated to helping San Diego County firefighters and their families during times of sickness, death and distress. San Diego FirefighterAid provides practical support services to local firefighters facing job related injury, illness, psychological trauma and disability. Among many other things, San Diego FirefighterAid also cares for the widows and orphans of deceased firefighters.
Filling the Boot for The Burn Institute
The Boot Drive is more than a fundraiser; it’s a testament to the power of community and collective action. Each year, the Burn Institute reaches 1,000s of youth, adults, and seniors in San Diego and Imperial Counties; their programs and services help prevent fires and the injuries that can result from them.
The Boot Drive contributes 20 percent of the Burn Institute’s annual operating budget and enables a range of transformative programs and services. These programs include Camp Beyond the Scars, offering a haven for children healing from burn injuries. Preventative and lifesaving Free Smoke Alarm Installations for Seniors. Comprehensive support for burn survivors, including access to medical equipment and professional counseling.
Lastly, Red Line of Courage is a fund established to provide support services to local firefighters who sustain a burn injury while on duty. These initiatives provide immediate aid and foster long-term recovery and resilience, underscoring the belief that healing truly is a community effort. Together, we are not just preventing burn injuries; we are nurturing a community of strength, support, and hope.
Boy Scouts of America’s Heartland Fire Explorer Program
The Heartland Fire Explorer Program is sponsored through the Boy Scouts of America, also known as Exploring or Learning for Life. Open to all sexes and genders, ages 15-21, this program allows us to expose young adults to the basic fundamentals of the fire service profession. Utilizing the Boy Scouts of America’s policies and partner agencies, Heartland Fire & Rescue has its own internal policies, procedures, rules, and regulations to ensure safety at all times.
Our goal is to provide a safe and positive learning environment that introduces all members to the basic fire service fundamentals, ultimately showcasing what a career in the fire service is like. This program also prepares individuals to become Heartland Fire & Rescue Reserve Firefighters.
Details
Mission Statement
The Mission of Heartland Fire & Rescue Explorer Post 2328 is to provide a safe and positive learning environment that exposes all members to the Fire Service fundamentals.
When do Fire Explorers Meet for Training?
The Heartland Fire Explorers meet twice a month for the first six months. Explorers are considered to be Probationary Explorers during this time period. They are given five classroom lectures followed by five hands-on meetings. Each lecture has a quiz that is given the following month. Upon successful completion of each quiz and a final manipulative exam, the Fire Explorer is eligible to begin riding along on the fire engine. These ride-alongs are one of the best parts of the Fire Explorer Program, as they expose the Explorers to hands-on experience in the fire service.
Fire Exploring Offers the Following:
- Improved self-confidence
- Leadership experience and social networking skills development
- Fun and exciting “hands-on” career experiences
- Community service opportunities
- College & career readiness preparation
- Scholarship opportunities
Community Involvement:
Fire Explorer Post 2328 is extremely active in the community. Our Explorers assist with Sidewalk CPR, Burn Institute Boot Drive, Heartland Fire & Rescue Open House Events, pancake breakfasts, America on Main Street, Lemon Grove Bonfire, and many other events within the community.
CFEA Academy:
Once a year we attend the California Fire Explorer Association Fire Academy. This week-long academy is held at a different location across California. It is no secret that the California Fire Explorer Academy today, and throughout its history, has provided the most comprehensive, hands on, live fire training exercises for any Explorers in the world. These activities include: auto extrication, wildland firefighting, flammable liquids fire fighting, structure firefighting, and technical rescue. This organization and its programs are created by the sponsoring fire agencies, Boy Scouts of America, Explorers, and the board of directors.
Information and Applications:
This Explorer Program has been successful because of the countless hours, days, weeks, and months of dedication, sacrifice, and volunteerism. contributed to this organization and our young people. If you would like more information about this great program, please contact us.