MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT INFORMATION
November 18, 2021 Jennielynn Holmes (707-321-5711)
The Santa Rosa Fire Foundation Receives $25,000 to Launch their Efforts to Support the Santa Rosa Fire Department in Strengthening and Expanding their Services
In partnership with the Oakmont Community Foundation, a public event will be held on November 19th at 11:00am at Berger Center Plaza. The community is welcome to learn more about these important efforts.
Santa Rosa, California – The Santa Rosa Fire Foundation is pleased to announce the official launch of our non-profit organization as well as a foundational contribution from the Oakmont Community Foundation in the amount of $25,000. The Santa Rosa Fire Foundation was formed in the wake of the Tubbs/Nuns, Kincade, Lightning, and Glass Fires in Sonoma County as a way to inspire the generosity of the community to strengthen and expand the services of the Santa Rosa Fire Department by providing resources not otherwise available.
“Santa Rosa and Sonoma County have encountered devastating wildfires nearly every year since 2017. This has led the Santa Rosa Fire Department to the necessity of a significant change of business model with how it delivers service to the community. While this year’s official fire season has ended, we have already started preparing for next year, and the Santa Rosa Fire Foundation is a critical component in providing the resources to make sure our community is ready,” said Scott Westrope, Fire Chief of the Santa Rosa Fire Department.
The Santa Rosa Fire Foundation will aid in closing funding gaps, allowing the Santa Rosa Fire Department to institute organizational changes and innovative enhancements at a much more prolific pace. The Foundation’s core areas follow:
- Wildfire Resiliency – Improving responsiveness to community threats, natural disasters, and wildfires
- Health and Wellness – Ensuring the health and wellness of the personnel of the Santa Rosa Fire Department through injury prevention and rehabilitation and developing programs to enhance behavioral health care
- Community Engagement and Diversity – Engaging the community to promote greater disaster preparedness and increase opportunities for diversity within the Santa Rosa Fire Department
The official launch of the Santa Rosa Fire Foundation will take place on November 19 at 11:00am in front of the Berger Center (6633 Oakmont Drive, Santa Rosa, CA). The launch event will recognize the leadership and generosity of the Oakmont community Foundation as a charger supporter of the Santa Rosa Fire Foundation.
“After the Glass Fire, Oakmonters gave generously to express our deep gratitude to our courageous firefighters. The Oakmont Community Foundation is pleased to make a charter donation to support the important work of the Fire Foundation. We hope this marks the beginning of a lasting partnership and inspires others to give to this vital cause,” said Bob Chapman, president of the Oakmont Community Foundation.
The community is welcome to come to the event and learn about the important work of the Santa Rosa Fire Foundation as well as hear from leadership of the City of Santa Rosa and the Santa Rosa Fire Department on the vital need for this new community resource. COVID-19 Safety Protocols will be in place during the event.
About the Santa Rosa Fire Foundation:
The Santa Rosa Fire Foundation (Foundation) harnesses the generosity of our community to improve the Santa Rosa Fire Department’s ability to save lives and property by providing essential facilities, equipment, training and community engagement. The Foundation is not a function of the City of Santa Rosa however may benefit the City as a conduit of funding resources. The Foundation operates as a private 501c3 with an independent, community-based Board of Directors that ensuresthat funds are utilized in alignment with the Foundation’s mission and funder intent. To learn more about the Santa Rosa Fire Foundation please visit www.santarosafirefoundation.org.
Contact Information:
Jennielynn Holmes (Board President/Volunteer) 707-321-5711