Team LCF is back running the Boston Marathon as part of the John Hancock non-profit program for the 5th year in a row!
The mission of the Last Call Foundation is to provide funding, education and research to advance the safety needs of the Boston firefighting community
The Last Call Foundation was founded by Kathy Crosby-Bell in honor of her son, fallen Firefighter Michael Ryan Kennedy, who along with Lieutenant Edward Walsh died battling the nine-alarm fire on March 26, 2014 in Boston’s Back Bay. The Last Call Foundation was born of the determination to ensure that tragedies such as the one on March 26, 2014 never happen again. The Last Call Foundation is committed to identifying and addressing safety challenges to enhance everyfirefighter’s ability to safely and effectively fight fires and protect each of us. With your help, we can avoid future tragedy and, hopefully, save lives.
Funding Research
Currently Last Call Foundation is funding research to apply today’s thermal technologies to fire hose. We firmly believe fire hose should be able to bring water to every fire every time. Research, education, and collaboration are critical to enhancing the safety and well being of firefighters and our community.
Cancer Prevention and Education Last Call Foundation currently funds the Firefighter Cancer Support Network outreach Training. This train the trainer program brings the latest prevention information to firefighters across the country. LCF led a public awareness effort – Industrial Washers in every firehouse. Last Call Foundation funded the purchase and installation of 25 Extractors in Boston Firehouses. The need to decontaminate bunker gear is clear, common sense dictates that a fire fighters exposure to his own gear laden with the residue of fire and medical calls will unnecessarily expose them to cancer causing agents. Yet across the Commonwealth firehouses everywhere lack the funding for this very basic piece of equipment. President, Kathy Crosby-Bell, recently spoke at the State House to urge passage of House Bill No. 3520, Sponsored by the Honorable Linda Dean Campbell. An Act establishing a municipal bulk purchase program of Industrial Washers – (Extractors) for fire departments.
Boston Sparks Association – LCF funded the rehab and canteen apparatus The long overdue update to the first responders support vehicle was funded by the Last Call Foundation. The Boston Sparks Association responds to long duration emergencies though out Greater Boston – and further upon request. The volunteers who man the truck provide the needed respite fire fighters require. Rehydrating, cooling or warming as needed, these simple yet vital services help prevent exhaustion and injury.
Critical Needs Funding The fire service is chronically underfunded, which often leaves replacement of aged equipment unfunded. LCF funded a Compressor to fill air tanks fire fighters need to breath while fighting fires. Another piece of equipment needed for a local city was an Air Bag – this equipment is used to more safely extract victims of motor vehicle accidents. LCF funded the treatment of a former firefighter for PTSD, which had so impacted him he could no longer support his family.
Support Fire Service Participation in Establishing and updating Safety Standards This new program will offer the financial means for firefighters to participate in the travel required of members of NFPA Technical Committees. It is time for the committee membership to be adequately representative of the fire service, the people the standards are established to protect. Every firefighter is a hero every day.
Every firefighter is a hero every day.
EIN: 46-5415002 • lastcallfoundation.org
