Our Funding Priorities:
Enhance firefighter safety and effectiveness
Invest in ways to improve the health and wellness of the firefighters
Deepen the Department’s connection with the communities it serves
Enhance Firefighter
Safety & Effectiveness
Flash Hoods to Reduce Exposure to Cancer-Causing Carcinogens
Firefighters have a greater risk of contracting cancer due to their on-duty exposures to carcinogens. While all firefighters utilize various layers of personal protection while working in and around fires, the traditional flash hoods only protect their skin from high heat. Newer technology has led to the development of flash hoods that also provide a barrier to smoke and chemicals, reducing the wearer’s exposure to cancer-causing carcinogens.
One-time goal: $40,000 to help purchase two for each firefighter
Thermal Imaging Cameras
A vital piece of equipment firefighters use is a thermal imaging camera (TIC). These devices “see” through heavy smoke, assisting firefighters in the search for trapped victims or to ensure their own safe entry and exit routes. The TIC is also an important tool for checking for hidden fire within walls or attic spaces, determining an accurate temperature of the environment prior to making entry and scanning for a liquid spill of a possibly hazardous material. Seattle Fire needs to replace failing and outdated TICs.
One-time goal: $275,000
Water Rescue Jet Skis and Training
Seattle is a city surrounded by over 200 miles of shoreline, and the Seattle Fire Department is often called to assist individuals in distress on the water. One of the challenges facing rescuers is quickly reaching the location of the person(s) in danger. Pre-deploying specially outfitted jet skis at key points along the shoreline will improve the ability of Seattle Fire’s dive rescue team and surface swimmers to locate individuals and make a successful rescue.
$300,000 for four jet skis, jet docks, maintenance and specialized training
Search & Rescue Dog Teams
To ensure readiness in case of disaster, urban search and rescue (USAR) teams require trained search dog teams. As a member of the Washington State Task Force, Seattle Fire USAR dog teams have been deployed to events such as Hurricane Katrina and New York City after 9/11. The progression from puppy to certified search and rescue dog involves extensive training and time commitments from the firefighter/handlers. Most of the expenses related to training, certification and other costs are covered by the firefighter/handler. Your donations will help them with these unreimbursed expenses.
Annual goal: $5,000