Firefighters plan to fill their helmets with donations

Firefighters throughout Ventura County will host the Fill the Helmet fundraiser Saturday and Sunday, March 10 and 11.

Firefighters will collect donations at major intersections and host open houses at stations. The public is invited to stop in to any local fire station between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. this weekend for a tour or to make a donation.

Contributions support the construction of the Ventura County Fallen Firefighter Memorial, which honors firefighters who gave their lives to protect citizens and property in Ventura County.

A site for the memorial has been selected at the Ventura County Government Center. The memorial will include the names of 28 firefighters from the city of Ventura, Ventura County, the U.S. Forest Service and Ventura County Federal Fire who died in the line of duty.

The memorial is a joint venture of the Ventura County Fire Chiefs Association and the Professional Firefighter Associations representing firefighters in Ventura County.

Firefighters have raised $67,000 toward a goal of $250,000. Contributions are tax deductible and donations of $500 or more will receive permanent recognition at the memorial site.

For more information on the memorial or to donate, visit www.ffmemorial.org.