Local 718 Boston Firefighters' Burn Foundation

Local 718 has a long and proud history of fine service to its members' (primarily Boston Firefighters and Fire Alarm operators). The Boston Fire Department has a longer and equally proud history of aiding and protecting not only the residents and visitors of the city of Boston , but also their property. It is these two elements that the Boston Firefighters' Burn Foundation is honored to represent.

Several years ago, a couple of us firefighters came up with the idea of starting this foundation, to aid Burn Survivors/Victims and their families. This idea was the result of being involved in rescuing people from burning buildings, who incurred burn injuries. After these victims were transported to local Burn Centers, it was common for firefighters to feel as though they wanted to do much more. We believe this notion is in keeping with the very proud and long history of both the Boston Fire Department and Local 718 Boston Firefighters' Union .

The support we have been receiving from the community has been immense. Through the guidance of; the Massachusetts General Hospitals, Shriners' Hospital in Boston , Brigham and Woman's' Hospital, and other local Burn Centers, we help victims and their families through the transitional period that follows the hospital stay. In addition, we attempt to relieve some of the financial burden to family members who need to stay in the Boston area for extended periods of time. At times, victims and their families come to these Burn Centers from all over New England and beyond. When this takes place, our foundation commits itself in offering not only a strong showing of support, but also whatever lodging needs they require, which hospitals cannot fulfill. It is this lodging issue; we hope remedy in the near future.

The Boston Firefighters' Burn Foundation does not stop there. We also provide, as we have in the past, logistical and financial contributions to local Burn Centers. Our foundation understands this as a great method of improving the overall treatment these unfortunate victims receive.

In short, the primary function of our foundation, as we see it, is to continue our daily jobs as firefighters by “helping” as many people as we can. We fully intend to continue this endeavor, by reaching, and hopefully having a positive impact on these people's lives.