Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund and Stater Brothers Grocery Stores Partner to Help Injured Firefighter

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Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund and Stater Brothers Grocery Stores Help Injured Firefighter Keith Coffey

For one month, the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund of California donated 100% of the proceeds from the sale of their cookbook, "The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund California Firehouse Cookbook and What Inspires Our Local Heroes", to help Keith Coffey, a Rialto Firefighter who was paralyzed this summer in an off-duty motorcycle accident.  As part of their fundraising efforts for the month, Stater Brothers Grocery Stores partnered with the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund, allowing them to set up a cook-out at their Corona and Redlands, California stores.  There, grocery store customers could sample some of the recipes from the cookbook, all of which were submitted by firefighters from California and across the United States, and purchase the cookbook.

Firefighters, both active and retired, donated their time to help man the booths at both grocery stores.  Ron Romo, an Engineer at the Rialto Fire Department and one of Keith Coffey's co-workers, volunteered to help at the fundraiser, explaining that despite the fact that he may be paralyzed for life, Keith has maintained a positive attitude and is extremely inspirational to others.  According to Mike O'Connor, a member of the Board of Directors of the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund of California, the funds from the cookbook sales will be used to outfit Keith's home with wheelchair accessible features and to purchase a special van for Keith.

CSFA Steamer Team

In a show of support and solidarity, retired Orange County Fire Authority Captain Dave Hubert brought his 1902 American Steamer and the CSFA Steamer Team to the Corona event.  The ornate fire apparatus drew a large crowd to the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund booth.  Hubert explains why he brought the CSFA Steamer Team to the event, saying, "It's a draw anywhere you go because it is so interesting to look at.  The firefighters know what it is all about, but there's the average constituent that comes up and asks a lot of questions.  Then they find out about the fundraising, and we've been able to tap into that.  Plus, the neat thing about it is they've been able to sample some of the firefighters recipes and some chow."

Samples of two of the Firehouse Cookbook's recipes were available at the events, Mexican Cornbread and Sausage and Pepper.  Fittingly, before his accident Keith Coffey had submitted several recipes, including the Mexican Cornbread, to the Terry Farrell Fund in hopes of raising money for firefighters in need.

History of the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund

The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund was established in New York by the family of Terry Farrell, who was both a member of FDNY Rescue 4 and the Fire Chief of the Dix Hills Volunteer Fire Department and perished at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.  Through public and corporate donations, the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund has been able to provide families of fallen firefighters across America with educational scholarships and money for medical needs.  The organization also uses the money they raise to provide underfunded fire departments with the fire apparatus and equipment that they need.  Every dollar raised goes directly to a needy fire department or fire service family.  They have expanded their charity to become a national fund, and several states, including California have established their own chapters to help fire departments and firefighters in need in their own states.

Public Reaction

Community members who attended the Stater Brothers events were very pleased to be able to donate money to a worthy cause.  When asked why he purchased the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Firehouse Cookbook, Southern California resident Mike Uyesato explained, "We just like to support the firemen.  They do a lot of good stuff and especially in our neighborhood.  They protect us in this fire environment, so we really appreciate that."

How to Purchase a Firehouse Cookbook

To purchase a copy of "The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund California Firehouse Cookbook and What Inspires Our Local Heroes" go to http://www.terryfarrellfundca.org/apps/webstore/products/show/852471. The proceeds of the sales will go towards helping Keith Coffey and the families of other fallen or injured firefighters. 

How to Help Keith Coffey

If you would like to learn more about Keith Coffey or to donate directly to his fund, visit www.CoffeyStrong.com.

Related Videos:

History of the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund

Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Releases Fire House Cookbook

Firefighting Family Rallies Around Keith Coffey in His Time of Need

CSFA Steamer Team Preserves American Firefighting History