San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation prepared to step up support amid budget concerns

SAN DIEGO (FOX) — With several fires sparking up throughout San Diego in just the last week, it underscores the importance of making sure crews have what they need.

“It’s a very stressful time right now for our first responders, and I know that there are so many things going on with the budget,” said Wendy Moore, executive director of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation.

On Monday, the San Diego Fire and Lifeguard unions went before the City Council, citing challenges with pay, staffing and recruitment.

On Tuesday, the council passed a budget that included impacts to the department.

“Funding for the fire department is life-saving. It’s critical, and we are reminded of that with these fires that have happened this week,” Moore said. “It’s a very stressful time right now for our first responders, and I know that there are so many things going on with the budget.”

Enter the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation. The nonprofit has been around for more than two decades, offering its support.

While it does not directly supplement incomes, the foundation provides critical upgrades to equipment, training and other resources.

“We have done everything from vehicles, extrication tools and thermal imaging cameras to our community outreach and education programs,” Moore said. “That position was just cut in the budget, so being able to support community risk reduction and community education is going to be really critical for the foundation moving forward.”

The foundation also supports San Diego lifeguards.

“We recently were able to buy five boats for the lifeguards, dry suits and a lot of equipment,” Moore said.

While speaking with Moore, we also got a glimpse of the new wellness center, a place providing medical assessments, physical therapy and other services.

As tough financial times loom, Moore said she is receiving an increase in requests.

In turn, to keep doing the work, the foundation is launching a citywide call to action, inviting local corporations and donors to pledge their support for first responders.

“The foundation obviously is going to have to take a look at where our resources are going to go and how we are going to continue to increase our resources,” Moore said.

A San Diego Fire-Rescue spokesperson says the department has a wonderful partnership with the foundation and could not do the work they do without its support.