RFD Engineer Named Fire & Burn Foundation Volunteer of the Year

Redlands Fire Department Engineer Matthew Ley was named the 2013 Volunteer of the Year by the Fire & Burn Foundation at the organization’s annual Spirit of Courage Awards Banquet, Aug. 16. The Fire & Burn Foundation is a non-profit health agency dedicated to reducing burn injuries and deaths through fire and burn prevention education, burn survivor support programs and the funding of burn care research and treatment. The Fire and Burn Foundation Volunteer of the Year award is presented to a member of the fire service community in appreciation of his or her support and service to the Foundation. This year the Fire and Burn Foundation honored Ley for his “countless hours, energy and enthusiasm to the Foundation.” Three years ago, Ley contacted the Fire and Burn Foundation, indicating that he wanted to get involved. After several meetings Ley decided on an idea to help: along with a team of his fellow firefighters, Ley designed and customized a one-of-a-kind golf cart with a fire theme. Ley and his team worked to promote the golf cart and sold raffle tickets for more than a year. The raffle raised almost $10,000 and helped bring awareness of the work of the Fire and Burn Foundation. After receiving the award, Ley kept his level of commitment high, promoting yet another fundraiser for the Fire and Burn Foundation. Ley and the Redlands Firefighters Association organized the first Bowling for Burns charity event, set for Nov. 9, from 4:45 to 9 p.m. This will also benefit the Fire and Burn Foundation.