Firefighters raise funds for ‘families of the fallen’

The Ventura County Professional Firefighters’ Association has raised more than $400,000 in its fundraising efforts on behalf of the 343 families of firefighters who died in the Sept. 11 tragedy at the World Trade Center in New York.

The firefighters began collecting money for "their fallen brothers and sisters" immediately after the terrorist attacks. Firefighters "hit the street" doing "Fill the Boot" fundraisers as well as other events including a Firefighter Bachelor Auction at the Westlake Hyatt Hotel and a "Celebrity" golf tournament at Lost Canyons Golf Club in which firefighters served as the celebrities.

"We turned to our greatest supporters, the citizens of Ventura County for help and we were amazed at the response," said Chris Mahon, president of the 375-member local union.

The association also received contributions from a number of schools, businesses and even children selling lemonade on street corners.

All monies donated go directly to provide relief for the families of the firefighters who died through the "9-11 Fund."

In addition to their efforts on behalf of the terrorist victims in New York, firefighters raised more than $53,000 to benefit numerous local charities.