Local residents help local fire station

With television and newspaper images still fresh in our minds of firefighters risking their lives, now is a great time to say thank you to the local heroes.

But even months before the recent Simi Valley and other firestorms occurred, members of the Westlake Trails Homeowners’ Association had plans to show appreciation for Fire Station No. 144, located at Lindero Canyon Road and Foxfield Drive in Westlake Village. Out of their desire to say "thanks," the homeowners established the Foxfield Firehouse Fund.

At last June’s grand opening of Foxfield Park next to the station, a few Westlake Trails residents learned that the firehouse lacked some much needed equipment that the county of Los Angeles couldn’t afford.

Homeowner association board member Jeanne Harrison and several other residents began a fundraising campaign on behalf of the fire station. Harrison commented that in light of the recent firestorms, people have come to realize just how important the firefighters are.

The personnel at Foxfield have a wish list of items they say the station desperately needs, such as a digital camera and a printer. The firemen say they also could use a piece of exercise equipment called a step mill.

"We always see the firefighters jogging around the neighborhood with their radios on," Harrison said. "It would be great for fire fighters to be inside the station exercising when they are called to an emergency."

The most expensive item on the wish list is a thermal imager, which costs around $12,000. It’s a device used by firefighters that enables them to see through smoke to find trapped or injured victims.

To date, Harrison’s homeowners group has raised only $600, but that’s because the fundraising has been through word of mouth only. The group plans to step up its money raising effort.

Last week’s fires came dangerously close to Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and surrounding communities. Fortunately, residents in the local area were spared the devastation that others experienced.

For those who want to show their appreciation for local firefighters, please send a donation to Westlake Trails-Foxfield Firehouse Fund, P.O. Box 1007, Thousand Oaks, CA. 91358.