LOS ANGELES – The non-profit Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, which serves as the major source of private support for the LAFD, has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation’s Public Safety and Security Institute. The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions, Inc.

Through this coveted grant, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation will support four Pacific Coast F.I.R.E. Academies, a program for high school students to learn firefighting, emergency medical services and organizational leadership. Academies are held at four locations throughout the City of Los Angeles, with students participating during their sophomore, junior and senior years.


While the program may be a training ground for a fire service career, it also provides an opportunity for structured physical fitness, learning emergency care and working as a team to overcome formidable challenge. Students in the program have a 100% high school graduation rate.

Speaking to the F.I.R.E. Academy, Los Angeles Fire Chief Brian Cummings said "You are my farm team for the LAFD. But even if you don’t choose a fire service career, you have worked with great mentors in gaining skills that will help you throughout life."

Matt Blakely, director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, said "We are proud to see these valuable programs make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work, such as Los Angeles.”

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation welcomes your creative ideas and energy in supporting the Firefighters and Paramedics that serve your neighborhood. To learn more about this well run and highly respected charitable organization, please visit:

SupportLAFD.org
[ video ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department