BATTLE OF THE BADGES

On January 3^rd and 4^th, the Vista Fire Department will be joining with many fire and police agencies throughout California to participate in the American Red Cross Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. The event will be held in the Vista Library Community Room from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 3^rd and then from 10:30 am until 4:30 pm on Wednesday, January 4^th.  Register on line http://www.redcrossbattleofthebadges.org/ or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to sign up yourself, your friends and your family members for specific times on those days.  Employees interested in participating should coordinate with their supervisors to schedule the use of leave time if they choose to donate during work hours.  Remember, this blood drive is a contest against other California agencies for highest percentage or participation numbers, so show some Vista pride and save some lives! If that doesn’t hook you, there is also some cool free stuff for participating.

At last nights Vista Firefighters Association meeting, members brought toys and gifts in support of the City of Vista's Adopt-a-Unit Family.  The City of Vista's Unit is HMLA-369 United States Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton.  The Vista Firefighters are proud to support our Nations Military and their families.

On October 27, the Vista Fire Fighters Association presented a check for $2,500.00 to Wounded Warrior Homes at Fire Station #6.  Once again we would like to thank all of you who supported and attended the annual pancake breakfast and helped raise money for this amazing cause.

The mission of Wounded Warrior Homes is to provide affordable housing, hands-on resources, and a defined path for veterans with TBI or PTSD to transition from active-duty military service to independent living.

Vista Firefighters Raise $4,250 for MDA!  A huge thank you to the always giving citizens of Vista for helping us help those with Muscular Dystrophy!

Vista Firefighters Participate in the MDA Padres Tailgate Party & Firefighter Chili Cook-Off

Each year since 1954, professional firefighters from across the United States have partnered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association to raise funds for treatment, research, and support programs for patients suffering with Muscular Dystrophy.  One firefighter fundraiser that has been held for the past twenty-nine years is the San Diego Padres Tailgate Party and Chili Cook-Off.  This year firefighters from twenty-one fire departments gathered to hold a chili cook-off competition and raise money for the MDA.

Thousands of Southern Californians attended the event, raising approximately $40,000 for the MDA.  This figure is higher than the annual average of $30,000 in past years.  With this money fifty children were able to attend a Muscular Dystrophy Association Summer Camp.

Angel Chanchea, a Field Representative for the MDA, explains, "We're raising funds for the MDA, Muscular Dystrophy Association, for the San Diego and Imperial Counties, which serves about 11,000 clients.  We provide funds and services and summer camp to our kids and adults."

Ashley Fox is an 8 year old San Diego County resident who has suffered with Muscular Dystrophy since she was an infant.  Although she dreams of walking one day, she does not dwell on her physical limitations.  She says, "I kind of hope I can walk soon, but at the same time I kind of feel I'm not different than anyone else.  Everyone is different inside."  Ashley enjoys going to the pool, dancing and karaoke, all of which she is able to do each year at summer camp.  She is very grateful for the fundraising efforts and support of the local firefighters, and happily got to throw the first pitch in the San Diego Padres Baseball Game that evening.

To watch some of the firefighters in action at the San Diego MDA 29th Annual Padres Tailgate Party and Chili Cook-Off, click here.