A longtime nonprofit group dedicated to supporting the Philadelphia Fire Department and protecting city residents will soon be announcing new leadership, an expanded mission and a different name.
The new PFD Foundation will hold a private event Dec. 8 at the Sheraton Society Hill to mark its rebirth and honor some of its partners. Foundation leaders will talk about their vision for promoting fire safety and helping the Fire Department.
“The Board of Directors and I are excited to announce the direction of the PFD Foundation’s mission,” said interim President Cherice Corley. “We are committed to continue helping save lives through our fire prevention programs.”
The full name of the organization — Philadelphia Fire Department Foundation, Citizens for Fire Prevention Committee — reflects the group’s past and future.
For many years, the Citizens for Fire Prevention Committee primarily raised money to buy smoke alarms that PFD members installed in homes throughout the city.
Now reborn as the PFD Foundation, the group seeks a wider role that includes providing smoke alarms as well as kid-friendly handouts like coloring books featuring the PFD’s mascot, Gentry, at each fire station; promoting public safety and fire prevention through education campaigns; and supplying new equipment and technology to firefighters and EMS personnel.
“These ambitious and admirable goals will make our city, and Fire Department, both safer and stronger,” said Fire Commissioner Adam K. Thiel. “We wish much success to the new PFD Foundation and appreciate their support of our vital mission.”
At the Dec. 8 event, the PFD Foundation will recognize Fire Lt. Kwaja Matthews, Philadelphia Inquirer editor David Lee Preston, and representatives from several hospitals for their contributions to fire safety. The Foundation will also accept a $10,000 donation from Build With Strength, a coalition of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association.
For more information about the PFD Foundation, follow @PFDFoundation on Twitter or visit its Facebook page.
