CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation

Today in 2013, we lost #BattalionChief Karen Shubin after a courageous battle with job-related brain cancer. #NeverForget #firefighter #CALFIREbenevolent Karen spent 29 years with CAL FIRE, finishing her career as a Battalion Chief. She made many close friends during her tenure. Her achievements in the fire service have inspired other women to pursue similar careers. Throughout her two-year journey living with cancer, she consistently remained upbeat, energetic, enthusiastic, and positive. Karen is survived by her husband, Dave; their four children, Kaitlyn Nikita, Jennifer, David, and Chance.

Today in 2013, we lost #FirefighterII/PM, Arthur Franco, from occupational exposure to Hepatitis C. #CALFIREbenevolent #NeverForget From an early age, Art Franco knew he would become a firefighter. As a young man, his Eagle Scout service project dealt with fire prevention, and while serving in the United States Marine Corps, he was given the opportunity to work with a variety of rescue equipment. On the job, Art cherished the opportunity to serve the community, while in his personal life, he loved to work with children at school, youth ministries, or on annual Christmas toy drives. He leaves behind his daughter Nikki and his sisters, Patricia and Rosalie.

Today in 2009, we lost #FireCaptain, James Rick Braden, after a courageous battle with job-related cancer. #CALFIREbenevolent #NeverForget #firefighter After courageously fighting a battle with job-related cancer, James Rick Braden passed away in 2003. He spent 28 years working for CDF, as both a Heavy Fire Equipment Operator and as Captain. Rick was a genuine outdoorsman he loved to hike, camp, fish, and fully immerse himself in the beauty of nature. The impact of his bravery continues to live on in the lives of those he left behind.

Today in 2017, we lost #FireApparatusEngineer, Cory David Iverson, when he was tragically overcome while battling the Thomas Fire in Ventura County. #CALFIREbenevolent #NeverForget #firefighter Cory David Iverson began his fire service career in 2008 as a volunteer firefighter with the Elfin Forest - Harmony Grove Fire Department in San Diego County. In 2009, Cory accepted an offer for a Firefighter I position with the Riverside Unit of CAL FIRE. During that time, his most ...treasured assignment was as a Firefighter assigned to Helicopter 301 out of the Hemet-Ryan Air Attack Base. In 2012, he spent one season as a Federal Firefighter with the Bear Divide Hotshot Crew before returning to the airbase in 2013. This was also the year that he met the love of his life, Ashley. They were married in 2014 and began his most important role as husband and daddy. In 2015, Cory and Ashley became the proud parents to their firstborn daughter, Evie Rose. Two months later, Cory accepted a promotion to Fire Apparatus Engineer and spent one year in the Tuolumne-Calaveras CAL FIRE Unit before accepting a permanent FAE position in the Monte Vista Unit assigned to Dulzura Station 30. In 2017, Cory was elated to learn he would be a daddy again to another little girl, who he, unfortunately, was never able to meet. On December 14, 2017, while battling the Thomas Fire in Ventura County, Cory was overrun by fast-moving flames and perished. Cory was known for his dedication, incredible worth ethic, and passion for the job. He was highly respected by all his coworkers and he helped mentor and inspire all who crossed his path. Cory’s wife Ashley, with their two girls by her side, has created the Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness (IFAA) in his memory to help continue his impact on the world. See more

Just wrapped up our annual (virtual) meeting! This is a time for us to reflect on the past year and chart a course for the future. We are extremely grateful for everyone’s support this past year. We could not support our firefighters without the help from all our amazing donors. Thank you! We look forward to a happy and safe 2021. #CALFIREbenevolent

Doing holiday shopping on Amazon? Shop AmazonSmile and support firefighters who have been impacted by wildfire, injury or illness. Head to smile.Amazon.com and Amazon will donate a portion from your purchases to the CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation. Happy shopping! J. Stark #CALFIREbenevolent #givingback #calfire #firefighter #AmazonSmile

Today in 2016, we lost #FireCaptain, Edward Paul Clayton, due to a job-related heart attack. #CALFIREbenevolent #NeverForget #firefighter Ed started working for Cal Fire as a Seasonal Firefighter 1 in 1978, and retired as a Fire Captain at Miramonte Camp in December of 2014, having served the State of California for his entire career. In his retirement, Ed enjoyed following his son Trevor and the Fresno State Men's Golf Team. One of his greatest delights was learning he was... going to be a grandparent in March of 2017, to the child of Kevin and Rashandra. Ed loved animals and the wilderness. He cared for forest animals near his home when he was younger, and kept chickens, dogs, and bees as an adult. He spent many years beekeeping, providing Clayton Honey to friends and family. He is remembered as a mentor, leader, and friend. Ed loved supporting his family in their endeavors, and keeping up with his large set of family and friends. Ed is survived by his wife of 30 years, Carolee Clayton; son, Kevin Clayton; daughter-in-law, Rashandra Clayton; son, Trevor Clayton. Edward Paul Clayton of Clovis, CA, passed away unexpectedly shortly after his retirement on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, as a result of a job-related heart condition at the age of 56.

Today in 1982, we lost #Firefighter Scott Karnitz when he was stuck by a passing vehicle while working a traffic collision. #CALFIREbenevolent #NeverForget

HUGE THANK YOU to @jimmypolo10 for selecting our foundation for #MyCauseMyCleats this year and helping spread awareness about our mission to support firefighter...s and their families. #CALFIREbenevolent #firefighter #firefamily #Repost @49ers Wearing their hearts on their cleats. Over 25 #49ers designed custom cleats to bring awareness to the causes they care about during this year’s #MyCauseMyCleats presented by @shoepalace See more

Today in 1982, we lost #StateForestRangerI Michael Macy Sr. after a courageous battle with job-related Hodgkin’s disease. #CALFIREbenevolent #NeverForget #firefighter Michael always enjoyed being a part of firefighting. From the time of his graduation from High School until his death, Michael was a part of the fire service. Michael spent the beginning of his fire service career working for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). His first summer was spent assigned to a fire... lookout followed by the next two summers working as a member of a BLM pumper crew, from day one, Michael was hooked. For the next two years, Michael’s career continued with the United States Forest Service (USFS) where he went on to become a smokejumper. After graduation from college, he joined the ranks of the California Department of Forestry (CDF (now CAL FIRE)) where he worked as a Graduate Trainee (Fire Captain). This time gave him the experience needed to promote to the rank of Battalion Chief and a move with his family to Crescent City, CA. After five years in the rainy climate, he promoted to Division Chief and moved to Madera, California. In addition to supervising career firefighters, Michael’s position also allowed him to work with many volunteer fire companies. As busy as Mike was, there was always time for his family and playing with his son. Michael Sr. is survived by his wife, Mary, and son Michael Jr. Michael died from job-related Hodgkin’s disease in 1982. See more