Tulare firefighters take part in ‘Fill the Helmet’

• Tulare firefighters collect cash for families to attend burn conference
• Tulare fundraiser nets $4,000 in dination
• “We raised a good amount. We had great response. We have great participation. Every bit helps.”

Tulare Fire Department Division Chief Luis Nevarez said the motive behind the “Fill the Helmet” fundraising effort is simple.

“It’s about giving to others,” he said. “You give, and you shall receive. You never know when someone you love might need help.”

On Thursday morning, 10 Tulare firefighters manned all corners of Prosperity Avenue and Hillman Street, collection money to sponsor families with burn survivors to attend the World Burn Congress coming up in October at Anaheim.

“We have people from this county we want to send to this conference,” Nevarez said.

The five-day conference teaches burn survivors and their family members how to live past the injury, giving them a chance to attend workshops and inspirational talks. The conference also gives burn survivors a chance to share experiences with people dealing with the same issues.

“It’s an opportunity to network with other survivors,” said Community Regional Medical Center Burn Services Director Sandra Yovino. “The congress also includes self-help groups and support groups.”

For Thursday’s fundraiser, Yovino and the Tulare firefighters combine to put on the fundraiser. The burn center provides medical treatment for those suffering burn injuries around the Valley.

Yovino said Tulare’s event netted about $4,000. Last week, a similar event in Reedley netted $2,500.

Nevarez said he was pleased with the total and the participation from his fellow firefighters.

“We raised a good amount,” he said. “We had great response. We have great participation. Every bit helps.”

Nevarez is a burn survivor. On 2002, while on duty, he inadvertently touched a downed power line, suffering severe injuries and burns. Nevarez lost part of his left arm.

Nevarez was taken to Fresno burn center, where he received treatment. The injury didn’t slow down Nevarez, who has been promoted to division chief.

By participating in “Fill the Helmet,” Nevarez is just helping others. Nevarez also volunteers at the burn center, often contacting and speaking burn victim receiving treatment at the burn center.

“I am just giving back,” he said. “I enjoy giving back.”

Yovino said Nevarez does more than.

“He helps firefighters who are injured,” he said. “He helps other survivors.”

Nevarez said he has also attended previous World Burn Congress, where he has been a keynote speaker. Last year, the WBC was held in Rhode Island. Previous locations include Milwaukee, Wis., and Galveston, Texas.

“I share my story with them,” he said.

The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors started the World Burn Congress. The first instance drew 80 people. Last year, the event drew 10,000.

With this year’s congress in California, Nevarez said he wanted to send as many local families as possible.

“It’s a good conference,” he said.

Online

www.phoenix-society.org