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Board & Staff

Jared Perry

Jared Perry

Active Board Director

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Why FFAid: I saw the impact that the Relief offered when the CATF-8 incident happened, and I want to be able to be part of the support we provide.

A person who inspires you the most: My Dad, he always finds time to help everyone. He taught me how important it is to be there for others.

How do you give back: I’ve helped out with the San Diego 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb that’s put on by FirefighterAid. I also spend a lot of my time at training and the fire academy.

Tell us something about yourself: My family is very important to me -I’m married with two little girls. I also love fishing and hunting.

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Board & Staff

Austin Nizic

Austin Nizic

Active Board Director

Hometown: Ocean Beach – San Diego, CA

Why FFAid: I wanted to be part of an organization that truly makes a difference in people’s lives and being able to serve our brothers and sisters within our fire family is an impact I’ve always wanted to do. 

A person who inspires you the most: I’d say my pops. He’s always been a huge inspiration for me ever since I was young, he’s instilled in me the importance of giving back to our community and supporting those that are less fortunate. 

How do you give back: I take pride in being someone others can count on, both on the job and in everyday life. If serving as a board member gives our fire family a place to turn and allows me to help connect them with the support they need, that means a great deal to me. 

Tell us something about yourself: I’m a San Diego native, married to an amazing English woman. We love to spend time with our dog, Frankie. As well as traveling the world. Also, I enjoy surfing, hunting, and traveling.

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Board & Staff

Joe Zakar

Joe Zakar

Active Board Director

Hometown: 

Why FFAid: 

A person who inspires you the most:

How do you give back: 

Tell us something about yourself: 

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Board & Staff

Dustin Kuhn

Dustin Kuhn

Active Board Director

Hometown: Escondido, CA

Why FFAid: I have always wanted to belong to a foundation that supports our own. The best!

A person who inspires you the most: My son. He is a wonderful soul that sees the best in everyone and gives everything he does his best shot. 

How do you give back: I have been volunteering with non-profits for 23 years and it’s an honor to be able to help provide services to my own organization. 

Tell us something about yourself: I am born and raised in Escondido, married and have a 14 year old son. I worked for USFS and Miramar Fire prior to SDFD.  Some of my hobbies include: camping, fishing, working on old cars, woodworking, and restoring antique tools. 

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Board & Staff

Geof Cummings

Geof Cummings

Active Board Director

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Why FFAid: The Relief Association helps in so many ways already, but what drew me to it was the endless possibilities to provide aid to our fire department brothers and sisters. The Relief staff is motivated and selfless and is an overall great organization I’m so proud and humbled to be a part of.

A person who inspires you the most: My wife Lisa. She inspires me with her work ethic as a second-grade teacher, but even more so by the way she is so kind and caring to everyone she interacts with.

How do you give back: I currently give back to the SDFD Cadet Program as a battalion advisor. I’ve worked with the Relief Association for the past few years at the 9/11 Stair Climb. I’m excited to be a part of future events and volunteer opportunities.

Tell us something about yourself: I enjoy surfing, boxing, welding, and doing projects around the house.

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Board & Staff

Corey Teng

Corey Teng

Secretary

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!

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Board & Staff

Rachel Delacour

Rachel Delacour

Treasurer

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Why FFAid:  One of my favorite parts of this job is the deeply-rooted sense of community and tradition. I feel indebted to my brothers and sisters of the fire service- those that came before me, and those I work alongside now. SDFRA works to help these individuals in some of the darkest moments of their lives. I cannot imagine a more worthy cause.

A person who inspires you the most: My In 2016, I became good friends with Captain Dave Kaiser of the Tacoma Fire Department, who was working part-time as a jump-plane pilot at the time. He is a hard working, skillful man of  few words, and someone that I greatly respect. He encouraged me to pursue a career in the fire service. I will always be extremely grateful for his service and encouragement.  

How do you give back: I am passionate about giving back to the community that has supported me. Serving as a board member with SDFRA allows me to dedicate my time and energy to helping others in their time of need. 

Tell us something about yourself:  I have a 60lb Staffordshire Bull Terrier that I absolutely adore. 

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Board & Staff

Ryan Da Rosa

Ryan Da Rosa

Vice President

Hometown: San Diego, CA 

Why FFAid: I am committed to the mission, vision, and core values of SDFRA, and I am eager to support the organizations efforts in improving the quality of care and services for firefighters and their families. With my background in fire protection technology, incident management, and my extensive involvement in department functions, I believe I can help drive meaningful change and contribute to the ongoing success of the SDFRA.

A person who inspires you the most: My wife Olivia, the motivation behind my actions, attitudes, and work ethic is fueled by the positive attitude and support she continually shows on an everyday basis. 

How do you give back: Throughout my career, I have had the honor of serving as a firefighter, academy instructor, and currently as a Captain at Station 4 in the Gaslamp. In addition to my role as a captain, I am an active member of several department initiatives, including the SDFD Cadet Program, the annual Toys for Tots drive, and our department’s sports club. I also serve on the Federal Incident Management Type 1 Team and have experience writing Incident Action Plans for major events, such as the 9/11 Memorial Stair climb and department funerals.    

Tell us something about yourself: I am a first-generation firefighter in my family, I love spending time with my family outdoors and taking trips when time permits and making memories with those I work with. 

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Board & Staff

Joe Kennedy

Joe Kennedy

President

Hometown: Lakeside, CA 

Why FFAid: I believe in SDFRA! An amazing organization made up of members, for the members. 

A person who inspires you the most: 

How do you give back: I live by the motto “taking care of honoring he fire families” and I have done that by helping fellow fire families in home/ADA remodels. 

Tell us something about yourself: I enjoy fixing things up.