Dominic Demuro, 3, takes part in the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Junior Firefighter Challenge recently held at station #37. The open house event was part of HCFR’s 40th anniversary celebration.
Recently formed, the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation has become the official not-for-profit of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR).
“Our mission is to promote fire and life safety in Hillsborough County, and the professional development, training and education of members of HCFR,” said Foundation President, Treasurer and Public Relations Officer Ronnie Rivera.
The foundation provides funding to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue to educate, inform and involve the citizens of Hillsborough County in protecting life and property in the event of an emergency.
The foundation is led by Fire Chief Ron Rogers and assisted by Vice President Jessica Coy.
Rivera emphasized that Hillsborough County Fire Rescue’s primary mission is to preserve and protect life and property by providing quality, timely emergency services, and by enhancing public safety through public education, comprehensive prevention and emergency planning initiatives.
Since its beginnings in the 1950s as an all-volunteer force and hiring its first full-time career firefighters in 1973, the department has steadily evolved into one the largest, most progressive departments in the state of Florida.
HCFR maintains 43 fire rescue stations strategically placed throughout the unincorporated area of 909 sq. miles, and equips over 1,000 career personnel as well as over 150 Reserve Responders. HCFR personnel respond to more than 87,000 calls per year.
In 2013 Fire Rescue installed over 460 smoke alarms, and through its Public Education and Community Outreach program has been able to educate 50,480 residents.
“HCFR Foundation is committed to supporting the protection of life and property,” Rivera said. “We are asking business owners, individuals and organizations to consider being part of our mission. By making a donation you can help make a difference in someone’s life as well as protecting the residents of Hillsborough County.”
All donations may be made to the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation, Inc. at 2709 E. Hanna Ave. in Tampa.
In December 2013, HCFR became a member of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.hcfrfoundation.org.
