Author: miguel

Hometown: Fairfax, VA

Why FFAid: After having to reach out to this organization for help during my time of need, I saw the quality of board members and their deep desire to help any member of our fire family. I knew then if given the chance I wanted to be a part of an organization like that.

A person who inspires you the most: My father. A man who grew up during very hard times in his grandmother’s boarding house. He became a successful self-made man through hard work. Throughout his life, he was always guided by his principles and his moral compass. His whole life he was very excepting of others’ beliefs and backgrounds, this was in a time and place that many were not. He always placed family and friends first. He continues to be an example for me and my children to live up to.

How do you give back: I mentor firefighters with cancer through the Firefighter cancer support network.

Tell us something about yourself: I love surfing as often as I can. I love an afternoon espresso and checking out different craft breweries here in San Diego.

Hometown: Pasadena, CA

Why FFAid: One of the best things about the fire service is the brotherhood/sisterhood. In the morning, we leave our families at home to be with our families at work. It’s something that is very unique to the fire service. Being able to lend a helping hand to our fellow brothers and sisters in their time of need continues those family traditions and allows us to give back to those who came before us.

A person who inspires you the most: My mother. Growing up, she sacrificed so much for us and showed me what it really means to take care of those you love.

How do you give back: I’m a Battalion Advisor for the SDFD Cadet Program and an instructor at the San Pasqual Reservation Fire Academy. As a previous cadet, I am certain I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the Cadet Program. While I was trying to get hired, I had instructors/mentors that selflessly guided me in the right direction. I try to follow in their footsteps and give back to others what they gave me.

Tell us something about yourself: I love to travel and experience different cultures. I’m just trying to add more stamps to my passport!

Hometown: Upland CA

Why FFAid: I  have been a member of SDFRA for the past 22 years and have watched the organization transform and grow from a “back seat” perspective.  During most of these years, I had never found the need to reach out for assistance or utilize the benefits that the SDFRA has had to offer; that was until my family went through a crisis of our own when my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Now successfully across the other side of the bridge with cancer, it is time to give back and show my appreciation to the SDFRA with more than just words.

A person who inspires you the most: My young boys (4 & 7) inspire me the most because of the way they view life.  Their natural curiosity, optimism, unbiased views and the simple joy they find in the most ordinary things are a continuous reminder to me of how awesome life is and how fortunate we are.  They have taught me that no matter how difficult life may seem or when the stress of everyday life adds up, it will always be better tomorrow (or after a good nap).

How do you give back:

By saying “yes.”  Opportunities come along in all of our lives, some exciting, some scary, some out of our comfort zone.  However, by simply saying yes, I’ve have been lead down roads I had not anticipated for myself and have been provided opportunities to give back in ways never before imagined.

Tell us something about yourself: I’m a daydreamer.  When it looks like I’m in deep thought there is a good chance I’m thinking of some wild idea or planning my dream house on a remote island in the pacific and not solving the world’s problems.

Hometown: Born and raised in San Diego, CA

Why FFAid: I love to help people when they are in a time of need. What better way to help our fire family and their families during their time of need.

A person who inspires you the most: My 102-year-old grandma who lives in Escondido. She has always had the best outlook on life. She says, “you can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control the way you respond to it.  It’s about your attitude and sometimes things are just an ‘oh-weller’.”

How do you give back: I would love to have more time to formally volunteer, but as of now I just try to bring a positive vibe, a bright smile, and an open ear to anyone who wants it.

Tell us something about yourself: I have been married to Micah for nine years and we have a seven-year-old son named Evan. I love to be outside, travel, and enjoy time with friends and family.

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Why FFAid: Because it’s unlike any other Fire Department group. The goal is to help in times of need and not worry about political issues. We look out for our brothers and sisters who sometimes just need a helping hand.

A person who inspires you the most:

My grandfather, he always has a heart for helping others and sticking up for what is right. He loves my grandmother, our family, and his friends with all his heart.

How do you give back: I volunteer with the San Diego Fire Cadet program as an advisor. I help show high school kids what the job of Firefighting is all about. They participate in ride alongs, drills, and a weeklong academy during the summer. 

Tell us something about yourself: I’m just getting into woodworking, I really enjoy the challenge of it, and have made a few of the furniture pieces in my house, just don’t look at them too closely.