Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Deputy Vince A. Peña, left, joined Col. Marc S. Cohen, senior advisor to commanding general of the California Air National Guard; Lyn MacEwen Cohen, president of the First-In Fire Foundation; Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Daryl L. Osby; and Acting Chief Deputy Anthony C. Marrone at the donation ceremony. (photo by Doug Morrison, LACoFD photographer)

The Los Angeles County Fire Department recently accepted a donation from the First-In Fire Foundation’s Fill the Firehouse Freezer initiative. The donation corresponded with International Firefighters’ Day, which is observed on May 4.

The foundation donated ribs, which filled up nine new freezers that were previously donated by the First-In Fire Foundation late last year. The freezers are currently housed at county fire stations and camps. The additional donation of food was made to provide healthy nourishment as firefighters prepare for what’s expected to be a dangerous wildfire season.

“We thank local organizations, such as the First-In Fire Foundation, who not only support our department and its mission, but also our team members,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby said. “Their donations are a great reminder that our communities care about our firefighters just as much as we care about them.”

“Quietly, we remember courageous firefighters here in Los Angeles and around the world on May 4. On the frontlines of everything dangerous, firefighters everywhere face Herculean multiple challenges – from raging wildfires and natural disasters to pandemics and civil unrest, to rescues in the chaos of war. Wherever there is fire service, there is hope,” First-In Fire Foundation president Lyn MacEwen Cohen added. “We are honored to be a partner in preparedness with the extraordinary Los Angeles County Fire Department and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. We delight in delivering ‘legendary ribs,’ courtesy of the Original Farmers Market, love from the grassroots and perhaps a big morale boost to local fire stations.”

Cohen and her husband, Col. Marc Cohen, senior advisor to commanding general, California Air National Guard, joined Osby and acting Los Angeles County Fire Department chief deputies Anthony C. Marrone and Vince A. Peña at a presentation on May 2 at Los Angeles County Fire Department headquarters in East Los Angeles. In conjunction with International Firefighters’ Day, the Cohens are visiting firefighters throughout Los Angeles County, making additional rib deliveries and showing gratitude. The First-In Fire Foundation supports firefighters worldwide, and it also recently held a drive to provide essentials to first responders in Ukraine.

For information, call (323)933-8164.