Firefighters Quest for Burn Survivors

GREETINGS FROM
THE GREATER INLAND EMPIRE
I‘m writing this article while vacationing on the beautiful island
of Maui. The pace here is truly slow and easy which reminds me of
this year‘s Quest. The area coordinators had everything arranged so
well that it was truly a slow and easy travel week. This was only
made more efficient and safe with the help of the California
Highway Patrol.
We started the Quest this year with a team in the High Desert, a
second flying with Mercy to the mountains, and a third in Riverside/
Hemet. We had lunch with Rancho Cucamonga Fire and were
welcomed by Chief Mike Bell and his great team. A very big thank
you to Kelley Donaldson, who always comes through gallantly for
the Firefighters Quest.
Next we went to Baldy View Elementary School in Upland to
visit 700 students and Principal Lorrie Buehler, my beautiful bride.
The students and staff listened to a presentation on fire safety from
Bill Jensen then made their donation, in pennies, nickels, dimes and
quarters. It always feels like more when it is that heavy!
Montclair Fire, led by Chief Troy Ament, welcomed us at their
HQ, Station 1. Passing through the station always provides a needed
stop in the shade.
Ontario Fire closed down part of the street for us as our size
greatly increased with the addition of the Quest air team and
Riverside/Hemet team. Chief Chris Hughes and his staff gave us a
great welcome and generous donation.
Phos Chek was unable to participate in this year‘s Quest but did
send a donation for our Burn Survivors. Thank you Jim Fitzgibbons
and staff.
Next we headed West with a very long procession to Chino
Valley Fire Headquarters for a welcome snack with Chief Kirk
Summers and his staff. Massiel De Guevara always does a great job
making us feel at home.
Then we trotted north to the 2010 Quest Department of the Year,
La Verne Fire, for dinner. Dave Bonanno and Sam Dominick set up
a fantastic dinner at Station 1. We, again, thank Chief John Breaux
and his staff.
And the Biggest Thank You goes to the California Highway
Patrol, Captain Wayne Bridge, Lt. Kevin Porter, PIO Jeff Briggs and
their elite group of officers who guided us through another safe day.
We really appreciate them because without their assistance the Rally
would not be possible. MAHALO!
We finished the first day of Quest with almost thirty thousand
dollars collected. What a great start! Thank you Inland Empire!
In other news, here are some upcoming events from Rancho
Cucamonga Fire:
On June 26 th they hosted their 14 th annual Firefighters ―Around
the Lake‖ Car Show with proceeds to benefit the Firefighters Quest
for burn survivors and Inland Empire Burn Institute. Executive
Director Sherri Laffay is doing a great job over there for burn
survivors. On July 17 th , Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters hosted a
back to school event for ADONAI, an organization that assists
families affected by cancer. Firefighters barbecued for the families
while volunteers provided backpacks and shoes to the children for
the new school year. Rancho Cucamonga Fire will partner with
Chaffey Community College for a September 11 th memorial for the
community on the school campus. The firefighters will also host an
open house on October 15 th in honor of Fire Prevention Week.
If you have news of any upcoming events at your department,
send it to me or our webmaster, Craig Hammond at
craig.hammond1@cox.net, to be put on the Quest site.
And last but not least, a massive Thank You to the two people
who have helped me the most to be successful in life and the fire
service. First, to my wife Lorrie who always leads by example and
allowed me to retire from the blasted Infernal Revenue Service with
a small collection of my marbles still intact so that I can be an
integral part of this great team. Next, I must acknowledge my
gratitude to my Fire Chief Bill Stead from the Mt Baldy Fire
Department, who taught me patience and everything I needed to
know for a successful career in the Fire Service. Individuals like
you, Chief Stead, are the reason the Fire Service is so successful and
well respected.
Well, I have finally taken that BIG leap into the 21 st Century with
a web site where you can see Tinkerbell at work as well as my barn
and toys: mttorch.com. My new email address is
bill@mttorch.com.
Mahalo and Thank You from the Paradise Island of Maui.
Bill Buehler and my trusty sidekick Tinkerbell
Inland Empire Coordinator
Thank You
Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters
for hosting another wonderful car show
to benefit Quest.
This really is a sweet event,
what with the park and the lake
and the food and the cars…
lots of really well cared for cars.
This should be on a lot more people’s
to-do list for next year!