Your donation allows us to …
•expand fire education and community outreach
•support the professional development of firefighters beyond the basics
•recognize the dedication and bravery of AFD’s workforce
•implement innovative methods to enhance firefighter wellness with a special focus on reducing the risk of cancer
As the region diversifies and grows, the need for specialized training expands beyond the basics that City tax dollars are able to fund. AFD personnel needs advanced technical and interpersonal skills to support their drive to be leaders in the fire service.
It’s no secret that the physical and mental stress of firefighting has long-lasting effects on firefighter health and wellness. Simple actions like washing the carcinogens carried in smoke and debris off clothing, boots, and face masks can reduce risk.
Nationally, roughly half of residential fire deaths occur in homes without a single working smoke alarm. AFD knocks on doors in Austin’s at-risk neighborhoods to install smoke and CO2 alarms for those in need. Helping us purchase alarms is a basic investment in “peace of mind” for others.
AFD supports several programs aimed at exposing young people to the profession and encouraging them to become public servants. The Pass-the-Torch program provides experiential learning for young adults considering a career in firefighting. The program honors the department’s first African American firefighters.
We proudly support community events
Our Honor Guard and members of ESPADA, the pipes and drum corp, tirelessly attend parades, memorials, and funerals for fallen firefighters.
Our outreach efforts can be found at National Night Out, the Trail of Lights, and the East Austin Juneteenth parade, to name a few.
