Firefighters Quest for Burn Survivors

FIREFIGHTERS QUESTFall 2004 For Burn SurvivorsDepartments Rally for Record Amount!!With the 8 th Annual Quest Rally history, we reflecton a week and reminisce about the fun had while collectinga record amount. As we wind down I would like toagain thank everyone who made thisyear’s Rally the best to date.During the week of June 21– 25 theQuest Rally’s caravan traveled 1300miles over a period of five days collectingdonations from 94 agencies, organizationsand individuals throughout Californiafor burn survivors. Firefightersparticipated from departments north inSanta Barbara County to those in theHigh Desert of San Bernardino to thosein the beach communities of Orange andVentura Counties. At the end of theweek, this Rally continues to prove to bea tremendous demonstration that thefire service is committed to assist thosethat have been affected by burn injuries.As those who traveled with us know, each day offeredsomething new and provided memories that will lastforever. From the participation of Vandenberg Air ForceBase to the great support of Mr. Bert Boeckmann andGalpin Ford. Toour friends fromthe CaliforniaHighway Patrol(who provide escort)and thevisit with ourgreat friends atWarner Bros.Studios. The visitswith manybrother and sisterfirefighters,the support fromMercy Air andsupport from ourmany generous sponsors are all reasons for success andwill not be forgotten.This year’s Rally included first time participants fromthe cities of Norco, Corona and Downey, the Fox StudiosFirefighters, as well as the CSFA Horse drawn steamerteam. Completingtheweek at GalpinFord Ihad the honorof thankingeverybodyinvolved andmade the announcementthat QuestRally 2004Vandenberg was once againour top contributorThe CSFA donated their steamer for the SanFernando Valley leghad collecteda recordamount. Withthe help ofour celebrity spokespersons Dr. George Fischbeck, CliffBemis, Rick Chambers, Phillip Palmer and Kathy Vara wecollected a record $121,966.00. This amount exceededour expectations and passed last year’s amount of$104,000.I am proud to be associated with suchgreat volunteers and would like to thankthose who dedicate time for the cause.To our many sponsor friends, who withoutyour support the Quest could notexist, thank you and to our celebrityspokespersons, thank you for assistingwith our mission. I hope all those whoparticipated in this year’s Rally enjoyedthe experience and adventure and welook forward to working together withyou throughout the year. Be sure tofuture events.v i s i t o u r w e b s i t e(www.firefightersquest.org) and checkout many pictures shot during the Rallyas well as related stories, updates andSincerely,Thomas Propst

By LandBy AirBySeaThank you to allwho supported our Rally!The CHP Protective Services Detailonce again kept us in line and on time. These guysmake our rally work. Thank you all!~ Calendar ~2nd Monday of each monthUCI Burn Support Group12:00-1:30 pmCall (714)456-5304or (714)456-89381st & 3d Thursdays of each monthGrossman Burn Center ShermanOaks burn support group meetings7 p.m. Call (818) 907-4583October 184th Annual Quest Golf TournamentSpanish Hills Golf CourseCamarilloApril 9, 2005Annual Quest RecognitionCelebrationThe Sportsmen's LodgeStudio CityThe Quest report is published byFirefighters Quest for Burn Survivors, acharitable tax exempt fundraisingorganization. For more information,please contact us at: Firefighters Questfor Burn Survivors, 1146 N Central Ave#398, Glendale, CA, 91202, (866) 937-8378 or through our website,www.firefightersquest.org.Please visit our website forcomplete newsletter and photolinks!www.firefightersquest.orgFirefighters Quest for Burn Survivors1146 N Central Ave #398Glendale, CA 91202NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE PAIDGlendale, CAPERMIT NO. 01706

California Highway PatrolProtective Services DetailWe had the privilege to work with the CHP - PSDfor the 8 th Annual Firefighters Quest for Burn SurvivorsRally 2004. 4 Divisions of Protective Services DetailOfficers escorted the Quest Rally in setting new records- New Departments, another County Participation -Riverside, larger caravan, and a record fund-raising of$122,000. These professionals with fewer resourcesprotected us with the utmost professionalism and dedicationin our cause - To Assist Burn Survivors.Amongst the planning of the Rally, they lost one oftheir own - Officer Goodman, from the San BernardinoOffice whose funeral was on Wednesday, June 9 th ,the original day set for the High Desert portion. On behalfof Quest we send our thoughts and prayers to theInland Division, Division Offices, and the men andwomen who lost one of their own.The Divisions who participated:1.) Coastal2.) Border3.) Inland4.) SouthernCoastal Division - Day 1In this area I had to deal with the coordination in 4offices - Santa Maria, Buellton, Santa Barbara, andMoorpark. Sgt. Ploetz and his crew in Santa Maria,even though dealing with manpower did an amazingjob. Sgt. Kruse in Buellton and his officer with theirsupport on the 1 st day meeting us at Vandenberg Fire.Sgt. Mike Edison from the Santa Barbara Office and his2 motors for their support meeting us at Buellton forlunch and escorting us thru South County. Each memberfrom these offices were superb and we truly thankyou as well as the Burn Survivors and Burn Organizations.A very special thanks to Sgt. Novak, while dealingwith Quest, was put to the task of dealing with the“detail” for President Reagan and his Family 2weeks prior which put an amazing load on their resourcesbut was still able to provide a ‘class 1' act.Sgt. Tony Viaropulos from the Ventura Office steppedin and assisted Sgt. Novak as well. This was the firsttime for Sgt. Viaropulos and we welcome him backnext year.Border Division - Day 2On this day we had 2 new departments join us -Corona and Norco. The Border Division were very instrumentalin this day of escort due to not only a fullday in Orange County but they also escorted us in aportion of Riverside County. I wish to thank OfficerGary Goldenberg and his detail from the WestministerOffice, as well as Capt. Steven Beeuwsaert and thecrew from the Santa Ana Office even with the manychanges that took place due to the budget. We were notable to have the entire group from last year but the Officersthat took their place did a superb job. Another dayof staying on schedule due to their expertise training.Inland Division - Day 3This day we added another Department - San BernardinoCounty Fire/Fontana Sta. 78. This taxed thedetail of the CHP who we were privileged to have OfficerBlair Fuller and Officer Michelle Denham. Thisoffice was marked with tragedy in the loss of one oftheir brothers, Officer Goodman the week of June 1 st inthe performance of his duties. We offer our thoughtsand prayers and offer Day 3 - June 23 rd in memory ofOfficer Goodman. A special thank you even whiledealing with this loss to Sgt. Morff, Sgt. Phipps, OfficerPadilla, and Lt. Sanders who supported our cause.Southern DivisionI wish to thank Chief Brown for supporting Questand authorizing the support of Sgt. Troy Lukkes, Lt.Ralph Elvira, Sgt. Grogan, and the motors for the 2 dayportion in the L. A. Area. I wish to thank Asst. ChiefMadigan for joining us at lunch at the Warner Bros.Ranch. The crew of Sgt. Grogan did an amazing jobthru such a busy area and kept us on schedule the entire2 days. Thanks never seem enough but if it were not forANY support of the CHP this worthwhile event wouldnot be so successful.The California Highway Patrol each year providesthe utmost professionalism and support even under themost adverse conditions. That marks what type of individualswe have the pleasure to know during the weeklong Rally. It is such a joy working with the contactsthat makes it a shame that this wonderful event onlylasts 1 week. Each Sgt. And Officer that I deal with,and there are many, never cease to amaze me. Ofcourse, the Chief’s from each Division reflect the personnelwithin their Offices and the Lieutenant’s as well.They put their lives on the line for us everyday and tobe associated with them in this type of goodwill causejust expands on their community involvement. It is atrue honor to work with the California Highway Patrol- Protective Services Detail.Scott FrenchRally 2004 Chairman

California State Firemen’s AssociationHorse-Drawn Antique SteamerQuest Rally 2004 was privileged to have for the first time the CSFA Antique Steamer on the final day - June 25th. We met DaveHubert at the Health Fair at Fox Studios in Oct. 2003 and we had a wonderful visit. By the end of the day, Dave was very interested inbeing a part of Firefighters Quest. Dave went back and talked to his Superiors and the Organization decided that they wished to participatein Rally 2004 with their Horse-Drawn Antique Steamer. Dave Hubert was very instrumental in Quest procuring CSFA as aCorporate Sponsor. This great Organization, supporting our cause for Burn Survivors, decided to donate the costs of Insurance and ateach point of use ($700/ea) - totaling $2,400 for use during the Rally.Dave Hubert got a crew together with 2 semi-trailers and participated at 2 locations: 1.) Bob Hope Park for procession into WarnerBros. Ranch for lunch, and; 2.) Procession into Galpin Ford for Dinner. On the first leg of the procession, we were honored tohave Kathy Vara and Bob Pincus from Warner Bros. On the last leg, we were honored to have Mr. Bert Boeckmann of Galpin Fordand Bill Jensen. This was a great finale to a very historic week, where we had more Departments, traveled into an additional County,raised more funds in a single year, and the addition of the CSFA Horse-drawn Steamer. The Steamer alone was a beautiful site and weare indebted to the CSFA for their much appreciated Sponsorship.Dave Hubert and your crew were amazing and we welcome you next year with open arms!Quest Rally 2004 SponsorsCalifornia Highway Patrol:Coastal Division - Santa Maria, Buellton, SantaBarbara, and Moorpark OfficesSouthern Division - Los Angeles OfficeBorder Division - Westminister& Santa Ana OfficesInland Division - San Bernardinoand Rancho Cucamonga Offices—–————Santa Maria Firefighters AssociationSanta Barbara County Firefighters AssociationSanta Barbara County Fire DepartmentSanta Barbara City Fire DepartmentLos Alamitos Firefighters Assoc.Orange County professional Firefighters AssocMyles and Charnell SmithAloha Steakhouse - VenturaVentura City Fire DepartmentVentura County Firefighters AssociationMercy AirFraternal Order of EaglesRancho Cucamonga Firefighters AssociationLa Verne Firefighters AssociationGalpin FordCalifornia State Firemen’s AssociationMonterey Park Firefighters AssociationThank Youfor Your Support!Warner Bros. StudiosBurbank Airport FirefightersBurbank Firefighters Local 778Central Coast FirefightersCharity Golf TournamentCorona Fire Dept.Corona Firefighters Assoc.Dennis Bolton EnterprisesExcellent Signs & DesignGlendale Firefighters ClubGlendale Fire Dept.IRC ProductionsLa Verne Fire DeptLos Angeles City Fire Dept.Fairview Valley FireMt. Baldy Fire DeptMt. High ResortNorco Fire Dept.Orange County Fire AuthorityPasadena FirefightersRed Roof InnSanta Maria Holiday InnTeague Custom MarineLos Alamitos Firefighters Assoc.Bank of OrangeOrange County Professional Firefighters Assoc.

Quest Rally 2004It was a true honor to be acclaimed the Rally 2004Chairman. Needless to say it was a challenge to overseethe entire Rally but to also have hands on dealings withSponsors, Area Coordinators, and to be a part of themost advanced Rally thus far. We incorporated RiversideCounty with the great addition of Corona FirefightersAssoc. and Norco Firefighters Assoc., a mini-Rallyin Big Bear with additional participants, a Corporatestop at Mercy Air in Rialto and the addition of anotherhelicopter, addition of Fox Studios Fire, the addition ofthe horse-drawn steamer from the CSFA, and the of additionof many Burn Survivors that were able to join usin each Area. Not only with these new feats, but we wereable to surpass last years funds by $17,000 for a grandtotal this year of $122,000.Rally 2004 is only successful cause of the many thatdedicate themselves, as well as the Corporate Sponsors,to assist Burn Survivors and Burn Organizations. Eachyear we are truly blessed to have the California HighwayPatrol - Protective Services Detail, for if it were notfor them, Firefighters Quest would not be able to accomplishsuch goals and be on time to extend our image andcaring for Burn Survivors to the Participants that wishto share in ‘Our Mission Statement’. Of course, itwould not be possible if not for Sponsors like: GlendaleFire Department, Ventura City Fire Department, L. A.City Fire Department, Mt. Baldy Fire Department, themany Departments that sponsor meals during the week,the many T-Shirt Sponsors, CSFA and Horse-DrawnSteamer, Mercy Air, Galpin Ford, Ventura County DeputySheriff’s/SAR Unit, and many others.Quest and the community can’t forget the 85 Departmentsthat work hard and dedicate themselves to supportingBurn Survivors and Burn Organizations. Providingfire apparatus to transport Celebrities and Burn Survivorsfor a ride of their life. Just seeing the smiles expressedduring the Rally week makes the dedication ofALL that more exciting. It is truly a healing process forthose Burn Survivors that they will remember for a lifetime. For that is truly priceless.I wish to thank those that put countless hours to supportQuest. The Area Coordinators: Howard Orr andRick Pinal - Santa Barbara County; Myles Smith - VenturaCounty; Scott Stephens - Orange County; PeterLawson - High Desert; Mark Durban - Big Bear; TomPropst - Inland Empire; Stuart Stefani - San GabrielValley; Mike Rojas - San Fernando Valley. The manyvolunteers that take time off from their families, friends,and work with no consideration for pay and dedicate100% to others - ones they don’t even know but developa connection by the end of the day or even the week. Amost memorable highlight, and many many thanks tothe Ventura County Fire Department, Quest was ableto reunite a fire crew from Ventura County Sta. 41 inSimi Valley with a Burn Survivor that was never ableto say thanks for saving her life from a house fire in2000. It is truly events like this that provides a dreamcome true and makes Firefighters efforts while performingtheir life-saving duties more admirable.The Celebrities we were able to obtain during theweek complete the event to its fullest. These people taketime away from their families to support Quest. Dr.George Fischbeck has been very instrumental in BurnSurvivors and Burn Organization for 15+ years. We aretruly thankful. Quest has also been blessed to obtain theservice of Rick Chambers - Ventura County, Paula Lopez- Santa Barbara County, Cliff Bemis - OrangeCounty and Inland Empire, and Philip Palmer andKathy Vara - Los Angeles County. These wonderful peoplesupport us and expose ‘Our Cause’ to the awarenessof the Community that we serve. If it were not for them,Firefighters Quest would not be able to reach the newheights.I thank each and everyone involved for your dedicationand service - a most admirable trait. It was a wonderfulexperience to share with ‘Good Friends’.Scott FrenchRally 2004 ChairmanFirefighters Quest 2004Ventura CountyBy Myles Smith, Ventura City FDThis year exceeded last year’s event in many ways. We had agreat turnout by burn survivors and excellent media coverage bylocal and regional news organizations. We added Ventura CityChief Officers Association to the mix with a generous cash donationand had a great lunch provided by Aloha Steakhouse andco-sponsored by Ventura City Firefighters Local 3431. The daywas topped off by a touching reunion of a burn survivor,Belinda Cuzzins, and firefighters that initially treated her at thescene of a structure fire in Simi Valley.

OC QUEST 2004On June 22nd, The Firefighter'sQuest made its waythrough Orange County. Multiplemeetings and countless phonecalls finally came to fruition.Beginning with an Atkins-Friendlybreakfast of Dunkin’ Donuts OJand coffee in Corona, we startedthe caravan. But this time, wehad two extra stops and three newdonations. We are all gratefulfor the Corona Firefighters,Norco Firefighters and the CoronaFire Safety Foundation joining inwith our event.At lunchtime, the Los AlamitosFirefighters hosted another outstandingbarbeque. At the end ofthe long day, The Bank of OrangeCounty and The Orange County ProfessionalFirefighters Local 3631treated us to a spectacular dinnerat Rock Bottom Brewery in theIrvine Spectrum. I am very gratefulto the entire Quest Cast forkeeping things on track and relativelyproblem free.I would like to thank ToddAbel from the Los Alamitos FirefightersAssociation, Ray Floresfrom the Corona Firefighters,Scott Dall from the Norco ProfessionalFirefighters, Chuck Tuggleand Chapman Shallcross from theOrange City Firefighters, FernandoNegrete from the AnaheimFirefighters Association, RandyGarcia from the Garden GroveFirefighters Association, ChrisLingwall from the Brea FirefightersAssociation, Ron Wilson fromthe La Habra Firefighters Association,Gary Gunderson from theNewport Beach Firefighters Association,Keith Bateman, PaulFredericks and Patrick Schlentzfrom the Huntington Beach FirefightersAssociation, Joe Cucinottifrom the Fountain ValleyFirefighters Association, RonLeftige from the Santa Ana FirefightersAssociation, Darren De-Fluiter from the Costa Mesa FirefightersAssociation, Dan Stefanoand Dennis March form the LagunaBeach Firefighters Association,the crew from Orange County FireAuthority Engine Company 65, thecrew from Norco Engine Company821, the crew from Corona EngineCompany 2, Traffic Officer PatPangan and the Protective ServicesDetail from the Santa AnaCalifornia Highway Patrol office,and especially Jeff Williams andthe Orange County ProfessionalFirefighters Local 3631 for allof your contributions of time andmoney.Thanks again to the agencyreps, and remember without younone of this would be possible.Scott StephensHigh DesertFrom Pete LawsonThe High Desert leg of the Rally went very well, we had a few things to overcome but as usual everything worked itself out. Westarted at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Hesperia for breakfast, they have always treated us great. They made a most generousdonation. Michele Roy and MT High made a generous donation as well. From there we went on to Apple Valley FD, special thanks toChief Qualls and Chief Malloy, Anyone that does the Rally in the Desert knows St Mary's Regional Catholic school is a special stop forus. The kids were looking forward to this for months, when we had to reschedule, school was out of session so I asked Chief Malloy ifhe would send some engines over on the day we were supposed to be there and he took care of that and some kids and parents wouldmeet us at stop on the new date. From Apple Valley FD we went on to a new stop, Southern California Logistics Airport, this is thehome of Mercy Air 2 and Victorville Fire, we had presentations from Ft. Irwin FD, Fairview Valley Fire. St Mary's Catholic school hadan entourage of parents and kids to present their check, they had been selling popsicles for a month. We split the crew and sent somefolks on Mercy 2 to Big Bear and the rest of continued on to Victorville Fire HQ, for presentations from Victorville and to present"The Dude", a local trophy we present to the organization that raised the most money and once again the Fraternal Order of Eaglestook it home. Way to go Eagles !!! After that we headed "down the hill" to San Bernardino County Fire ( Thanks Sparky) and to Ranchoto meet up with our group and for lunch. Thanks to Kip Mikels from Fairview Fire who provided an Engine for the whole day.Warner Bros. Fire Chief Chuck Lisiretired as of July 19 after a great career in the fireservice. Heworked for BurbankFire foryears and then most recently with Warner Bros. Fire.Chuck will still remain a current board member forWarner Bros. Chief Chuck Lisi RetiresQuest but will now get to enjoy all the other thingshe has been planning, like cruises and just slowingdown a bit.Quest offers him our heartiest congratulations andwe look forward to seeing him at future meetings.Each time a member The Los Angeles City Firemen's Credit Unionswipes their Blazing ATM Card during the months of August and Septembera donation will be made by the credit union to Quest.Use your Card!!!