The Chaplain’s Benevolent Fund was set up to help Fire Department employees who have run into a stroke of bad luck or tragedy involving themselves or their families. On one occasion, the family of an injured firefighter needed a motel room that was close to the hospital in which their loved one was admitted. The fund was able to donate $300 for their room. Another was when funds were not available to pay for a relative’s funeral. In this case, funds were made for the entire burial.

Monies donated to this fund are safeguarded until needed in one of three organizations that can legally accept money for the Fire Department. These include the Los Angeles County Benefit and Welfare Association, the Los Angeles County Fire Museum Association, and the Los Angeles County Firefighters Memorial Committee. Once a request is made for funds, the Chaplains discuss the request and make a decision based on their agreement.

HOW CAN I MAKE A DONATION?

Donations from the public are always welcome. To make a donation contact the Chaplain’s Benevolent Fund at 323-881-2427.

Currently, Captain Corey Lovers serves as the Head Chaplain. He began his career with the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 1983. In the year 2000, he became a Fire Department Chaplain and is presently a Fire Captain with Chaplain duties. His peers voted him as Senior Chaplain on November 1, 2004, a position which he highly respects and holds with the deepest regard.

There are nine Chaplains within the department and three are coined as "Associates", acting as reserve Chaplains when the others become overwhelmed with excessive work. Recently, Rabbi Chaim Kolodny joined the ranks of this wonderful program which helps and comforts so many of our employees in their time of sorrow or trouble.