On November 1, 2018, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation (LAFDF) hosted a luncheon to honor those LAFD members whose feats of bravery were remarkable. Your Great Event was honored to have been selected to help produce the event.
The mission of the Los Angeles Fire Department is to preserve life and property, promote public safety, and foster economic growth through a commitment to prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery as an all risk life safety response provider.
A total of 1,018 uniformed firefighters (including 270 serving as Firefighter/Paramedics), are always on duty at fire department facilities citywide, including 106 neighborhood fire stations strategically located across the Department's 471 square-mile jurisdiction. They respond to more than 1,000 911 calls daily.
All firefighters risk their lives and perform heroic feats in the face of danger. But how do you recognize those firefighters whose actions go beyond the call. You bring civic leaders, sponsors, firefighters and their families together for an emotion-filled afternoon. And you tell their stories.
Purposefully simple décor – black linens and white flowers – kept the focus on the 13 honorees. The California Ballroom at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites provided the downtown location that allowed a record number of sponsors, supporters, and firefighters to attend. NBC4 Southern California general assignment reporter and news anchor, Robert Kovacik, was impactful as the emcee as he read the powerful narratives of the award winners. Videos and photos provided a compelling backdrop as the description of their actions sounded throughout the room.
A firefighter who risked his life to pull three children from a burning, smoke-filled structure fire – one that had been set on purpose – received a Medal of Valor for his actions. The children and their mother attended the event and provided a particularly heartwarming moment. Additionally, one Medal of Merit and seven Medals of Valor were awarded to members of the LAFD who were off-duty while in attendance at the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival in Las Vegas on October 1, 2017. They were there to enjoy the concert with their loved ones and friends when the gunfire began. The tales of their courage and compassion were overwhelming and prompted standing ovations from the audience.
The Foundation also gave awards for Lifetime Achievement, Corporate Responsibility, and Community Service. The Fire Chief’s Distinguished Service Award honored the LAFD Air Operations Service. A special award for a Legacy of Service was given to the woman who founded the LAFDF and who raised more than five million dollars for the department before she retired.
This solemn and ultimately uplifting luncheon didn’t need splashy entertainment or bright lights to make an emotional connection with the audience. Your Great Event will always produce an event to tell the client’s story in a way that will be unforgettable.