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Continuing with our Fire Fighter's series, we had the honor today to have Joe Pick of the FFBI (Fire Fighters Burn Unit) who informed us about the life preserving and healing work done by their organization in concert with U.C.D. and Shriners in Sacramento. To learn more about the FFBI click on Read More below.... |
Joe Pick was a firefighter, a Captain, who retired but is still very much interested in the field. He is the executive director of the FFBI (Firefighters Burn Institute). Joe said the impetus for the organization came about from the terrible tragedy in 1972 when an airplane demolished Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor and 23 people died. There was no burn unit in the area at that time. Joe gave a very nice slide show about their programs. In 1973 a burn unit was founded at U.C.D. The FFBI was formed and morphed over the years into many beneficial programs. They started Team Bright which hosted a kid’s camp – the Little Hero’s Family Burn Camp affiliated with Shriner’s Hospital. They have adult programs that include a burn survivor support group and a young adult retreat. The have a liaison response team when burn accidents occur and they will get help for the victims. The FFBI are engaged in prevention of fire accidents and give educational programs and literature. One such program is the youth fire setter program which educates youth as to the dangers with fire. Also the FFBI gives out scholarships such as to the American Burn Association, the Clift Hoskell perpetual scholarships, and to the World Burn Congress. Joe impressed everyone as to the scope of the FFBI efforts to prevent fire tragedies and to treat burn victims. Once you are in their care – it is for a lifetime and is free. Of course, they need to raise funds and Joe told us of their many fund raisers: Boot Drive, A Tropic Affair, Birdies for Burns, a Chili Cookoff, Heroes, and Hops and Hotrods. For more information or to donate go to: www.ffburn.org |
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