2009 Firefighters Ball

Save the date for Saturday October 17, 2009 for this years, Firefighters Ball. Join your valley firefighters along with our emcee Channel 3’s April Warnecke. This energy packed night will include a silent auction, live music from Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns, sit down dinner and raffles between band sets. The Firefighters Ball will be held at The Mountain Preserve Reception Center, 1431 E. Dunlap Rd. All proceeds benefit United Phoenix Firefighter Public Charities.

Click here for more information

2009 Firefighters Ball
Saturday October 17th 2009
Mountain Preserve Reception Center
1431 E Dunlap Rd.
For more information
Call 602-277-1500
 

Events & News

ADOPT-A-POOL-FENCE PROGRAM HELPS PREVENT CHILD DROWNINGS
April 1, 2008

With pool season quickly approaching, the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association and Valley of the Sun United Way are taking a proactive approach to prevent child drownings through the Adopt-a-Pool-Fence Program. The program provides families throughout Maricopa County with a donated pool fence, offering a physical barrier between their children and their backyard swimming pools. Families who do not have a pool fence and are in financial need are asked to fill out an application, by visiting our application page or calling 602.631.4843.

Applicants need to meet the following criteria:

• A child six years of age or younger must be living in the home

• The home must be owner-occupied

• Families must demonstrate financial need

• Special circumstances will be considered

 

“This is the most aggressive approach to prevent drowning to date, and the statistics prove that the Adopt-a-Pool-Fence Program is working,”

Rich Bauer, Director of Community Programs for the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association

 

The Adopt-a-Pool-Fence Program was started in 2003 by the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association as effort to prevent child drowning. The program has recently been integrated into the FireStar Fund after Valley of the Sun United Way and the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association secured a $250,000 grant from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust as a way to expand the program. The FireStar Fund is a partnership that brings together several community organizations that are dedicated to making our local neighborhoods and communities stronger. FireStar partners include Valley of the Sun United Way, the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association, the Stardust Foundation, the City of Phoenix Fire Department, the City of Phoenix Mayor's Office and the Office of the City Council.

The United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association and Valley of the Sun United Way hope to increase awareness of the program so families in need receive the protective barrier to keep their children safe.

It is the mission of the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association, to protect and improve the quality of life in our communities through Community Partnerships, Community Service Programs and Fire and Life Safety Education. Saving Lives Through Prevention.

Valley of the Sun United Way is focused on addressing the issues that matter most in our community. Partnering with businesses, organizations and individuals, Valley of the Sun United Way improves lives and delivers meaningful results throughout Maricopa County. To learn more about Valley of the Sun United Way, visit vsuw.org. Results that Matter.

SUNS WIVES RECOGNIZE UNITED PHOENIX FIREFIGHTERS TONIGHT

United Phoenix Firefighters Receive Community Leadership Award for February
March 22, 2008

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns Wives will present United Phoenix Firefighters with the Community Leadership Award during halftime of tonight’s (Friday) game as the Suns take on the Detroit Pistons at US Airways Center. Tip-off is set for 8:30 PM.

The award comes in recognition of the United Phoenix Firefighters commitment to prevent childhood drowning through the Save-R-Kids and Adopt-a-Pool-Fence programs. The organization developed the Save-R-Kids Program in 1988 in an effort to target grade school children and encourage safe behavioral habits when around water. Additionally, the Adopt-a-Pool-Fence program supports the donation and installation of child safety fences for families who are unable to provide one.

Past honorees include Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation and Neighborhood Ministries.

Now in its third month, the Phoenix Suns Wives Community Leadership Award is a monthly honor presented to community-minded organizations, people and groups for their commitment to assist underserved families in Arizona.
 

The First Annual Chili Cook Off Brings Out the Competition

March 11, 2008

On Sunday, March 9th 2008, Firefighters from all over Maricopa County and valley restaurants gathered at the Mountain Preserve Reception Center to compete in the First Annual United Phoenix Firefighters Chili Cook off. Not only did they compete for the best chili in the County but they competed for the best chili booth design. Tim and Willy hosted this premiere event with valley dignitaries and media personalities judged the chili and booths. Teams gathered at 7am to build their booths and start warming their chili, at 10am the gates opened to the public. It didn’t take too long and the parking lot was full and a crowd gathered to taste the chili prepared by the troops. After some introductions the day started with the presentation of colors by The United Phoenix Firefighters Color Guard, then the judging began. As firefighters fought and made fun of each other in front of the judges trying to per sway the voting, the judges moved forward getting passed this shameless activity for a trophy. The teams were definitely split on their priorities, some of the teams wanted that booth design trophy, while others solely concentrated on food preparation. There was, at one point, accusations of cheating and short cuts (canned chili) among one of the teams who brought home a booth design award. When all the Inter fighting and accusation were done, the winners were announced by the independent panel of judges. A estimated crowd of 1500 moved in and out all day and everyone involved had a great time raising money for Firefighter Charities. The event was such a hit we are looking for a bigger venue next year to handle crowds and more teams that would like to participate. We will announce the next years date soon so your station can compete. See pictures of this years event by clicking here.

Congratulations to the winners!

Best Booth Design

1st  place   Hillbilly Chili Phoenix Station 20

2nd place  (not without protest) Shark Tank Phoenix Station 9
3rd  place   Night Train Phoenix Station 28

Best Chili

1st  place   JW Robinson Society

2nd place   Maricopa County Burn Foundation Chili Chicks
3rd  place   Emerald Society

Thank you to all the city departments and other organizations that participated.

Rich Bauer
Director of Community Programs

Words can’t say enough to thank each and every one of you

November 19, 2007

To all the wonderful people with the Adopt a Pool Fence Program,

Words can’t say enough to thank each and every one of you who made this happen for our family, and most importantly for the safety of our child. We’ve never experienced such a wonderful experience; we were treated so nicely. Every person we had contact with to make this happen: Marin Davies, Jose and Rapheal with Ironman pool company were amazing to work with. We can’t thank you enough. The fence couldn’t come at a better time, as our 10 month old child is beginning to take her first few steps and she likes nothing better than being outside, chasing the dog and playing. I know now that she can remain safe.

Again, thank you and your organization for such a wonderful gift. Thanksgiving this year will really be about giving thanks. My family would like to wish each one of you a very Happy Thanksgiving and a happy and healthy holiday season.

Sincerely,
Gabriella, Michael and Avah Montgomery

United Phoenix Firefighters Set up Fund Raising Account For Severely Injured 9 Year Old

Friday, November 16, 2007

On Saturday November 10th 2007 nine year old Treshae Duchane was found by Firefighters and Police hiding in a bathtub in her parents apartment while they were responding to her 12 year old sister who was found dead. Treshae suffered severe trauma from head to toe including multiple scars and severe burns.

Some of these injuries were very fresh, while others were apparently very old and untreated. According to Phoenix Fire paramedics it was one of the worst cases of domestic violence ever witnessed on two children. An account for Treshae has been set up at Chase Bank for anyone in the community who would like to donate.

The United Phoenix Firefighters will kick it off with a $1000 donation and would like to challenge other businesses or individuals to donate. All money received will go to the following, further medical treatment including cosmetic surgery, rehabilitation therapy, counseling, and education. Contributions can be made at any Chase Bank under the United Phoenix Firefighters “Treshae” account.

Sold Out Firefighters Ball Helps
Monday, October 22, 2007

United Phoenix Firefighter Charities Prepare for the Holidays

A sell out crowd of 500 guest filled The Mountain Preserve Reception Center on Saturday October 20th. After an incredible silent auction and cocktail hour guest sat down to a steak dinner with complimentary wine, afterwards the crowd enjoyed dancing and the music of The Groove Merchants. At the end of the night over $100,000.00 was raised for Firefighter Public Charities, just in time for the holidays. With the start of November The United Phoenix firefighters will be involved in several charity/fund raising events.

Beginning with The Brad Cessmat Turkey Drive on November 15th. Firefighters from all the chapters will be rotating in and out of the Salvation Army at 28th street and Van Buren, delivering and helping to unload turkeys that are delivered by the public. On Friday November 23rd, firefighters will be “Ringing The Bell” for The Salvation Army at Arrowhead Mall. With future dates to be announced The United Phoenix firefighters will be participation in more turkey drives and various toy drives all over the cities. This is a chance to make a positive impact in your community. If you would like to volunteer for one of these events or have a family in mind to Adopt for the holidays contact the union office at 602-277-1500.

Our next Big Fund Raiser will be April 26th 2008. The very first annual “Firefighters VS. The Pros” Chili Cook OFF, and Battle of The bands.

Save the date and mark you calendars.

Rich Bauer
Director of Community Programs

Thank You-thank you-thank you!!!!

Thursday, October 4, 2007

I just want you folks to know that Ironman Fence installed our pool fence yesterday. We are truly grateful for being chosen as one of the families. We even got to pick our color!!!!! The Ironman Fence reps were very professional and did a good job installing the fence. They were of understanding of my concerns about pool safety. Having the fence will make us feel comfortable when my grandchildren are outside and other children are at my home. A great finanicial burden has been lifted off our shoulders as we did not know how and when we could afford a pool fence. I listen to your station every morning and evening in my car. Since I'm driving I can never call in for the concert tickets. But I was able to send an email.

I thank God for organizations such as the United Phoenix Firefighters Association And Mega1043 radio.
Once again thank you from the bottom of my heart. God Bless each of you and your families.

Mary & Leo Grimes
 

Adopt-A-Fence Program up and Running

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

For the six strait year The United Phoenix Firefighters Adopt-A-Fence program is up and running throughout out cities. Through corporate donations from SRP, The Board of Realtors and SCF of Arizona, along with a $100,000.00 grant from The Virginia Piper Foundation The UPFFA can have pool fences installed in areas of the working poor that qualify for a fence. Two years ago, Maryvale was number one in the nation for childhood drowning, but with the help of this aggressive Adopt-A-Fence effort The UPFFA played a huge part in bringing the numbers to ZERO last summer.

Any member can apply for a family if they see a need while responding to other calls.

United Phoenix Firefighters Association Partners with Sleep America to provide NEW BEDS for the poor
Tuesday, June 21, 2007

The UPFFA Association has partnered with Sleep America to find Homes for 100 new beds in all of our Chapter Cities. Applications for the beds can be found at any Sleep America Store. After they are filled out, the application will be forwarded to the Union Office and a committee will sort through them to find the needy qualified applicants. If there is an overwhelming response, Debbie Gaby has agreed to give us 150 new beds to give away. This will begin on July 4th 2007 and end Labor Day weekend. SORRY firefighters are ineligible for the giveaway.
 

High School Students Partner With The United Phoenix Firefighters for Safety
Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Art Students From Sunnyslope, Washington and Xavier High Schools participated in and Art contest to provide a message for water safety and car seat safety. Their messages came in Art form and was painted free hand on the wall at the thrift store located at 16th street and Highland. This is the first year students were invited to participate. After completion of the art that was free and painted on the walls, it was then digitally photographed and shrink wrapped on the UPFFA’s van. Along with this Artwork Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona made a $15,000 dollar contribution to The United Phoenix Firefighters Save-R-Kids program. This Program is designed to educate children of all ages on safety habits around the house and in the streets. All High Schools were invited to participate in this event, if you have a high school student that would like to represent their school, have them contact The Union Office at 602-277-1500.

UPFFA CHARITIES ASSIST WITH WATER DRIVE FOR THE SALVATION ARMY
Tuesday, June 16, 2007

On Thursday June 21st The United Phoenix Firefighters along with some volunteers from the Phoenix Fire Cadet Program helped The Salvation Army, collect water bottles in their first water drive for the homeless.

Along with a 100 water bottle donation from UPFFA Charities, volunteers stayed on site of The Salvation Army and unloaded cases of water bottles as they were being dropped off by the public, and water companies. Together over 80,000 bottles of water were collected and over $20,000.00 in donations for water were raised. Thanks to all who volunteered.

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