Over the past month, we checked in with our 2024 grantees to learn how their funded programs, projects, and initiatives are progressing – and to better understand the impact they’re making across Los Angeles. Now, we are excited to share these interviews, with stories of growth, challenges, and community transformation.

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation received funding through the LA2050 Grants Challenge from the Goldhirsh Foundation to support the expansion of Advanced Provider Response Units, which pair paramedics and nurse practitioners to deliver on-site care and reduce strain on hospitals and emergency services. Below is an edited transcript of our conversation with their team.

LA2050: There has been an outpouring of support and appreciation for our Los Angeles Fire Department in the wake of the January fires, of course, well-deserved. What is something that you wish more people knew about the Fire Department?

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: We’re so unbelievably grateful for the amount of support we've received during the January fires, and the amount of people that were exposed to our mission and started to understand why the LAFD Foundation exists. This increased awareness ultimately helps us to bridge that gap between what the city's budget can provide, and what the fire department needs.

Moving forward, we think it's important for everybody to understand that LAFD isn't just there for you in a time of high-magnitude crisis. They answer calls every single day whether it's a car accident, a house fire, a heart attack – and LAFD firefighters and paramedics respond to the worst times of people's lives each and every day in our city. It’s important to recognize that no matter what period we're in, or whether or not it’s fire season, the fire department is always there for the citizens of Los Angeles.

LA2050: The LA2050 grant helped to expand the Fire Department’s Advanced Provider Response Units (APRU) program. Can you tell us more about the program, and what makes it so effective?

Los Angeles Fire Department: The Advanced Provider Response Unit program is designed to enhance the LAFD’s emergency medical services and provide pre-hospital care. These vehicles are similar to pickup trucks, but there is a buggy added to the back of the pickup that includes tools, equipment, medical supplies, and medication.

Some health calls may not require a trip to the hospital, so the APRU helps LAFD to respond to health calls quickly, and allows paramedics and full ambulances to respond to bigger incidents. APRU helps LAFD better utilize resources, especially in a time where they are short staffed. There aren't that many in the city, there are currently five, and we're working with the department to add more this year.

We've seen great success with the APRU so far, but there was a delay because of the fires. Things got put on hold, but we know the additional vehicles are arriving any day now, and they're going to start the advanced provider training for the paramedics soon – so that’s really exciting.

LA2050:. What do you hope to achieve in the last six months of the grant, and how can the broader LA2050 community support?

Los Angeles Fire Department: Something fun we want everyone to know is that May 10th is Fire Service Day, when all 106 fire stations in LA host an open house for the communities to come visit. It’s coming up!

Kids can climb on the trucks, and there are certain stations who organize a carnival-type day or a pancake breakfast. We really encourage people to find their local station and go support them. We hope the day turns into a celebration of everything the city has been through with LAFD, and just a chance to connect with the firefighters that are there for you every day.

A lot of people don't know about it, but some stations go all out! They'll close down the street and host a block party, or they'll do a jaws of life demo and cool stuff like repelling from the station. It’s a really nice day for families, and we think this year the fire stations are going to host some really fun celebrations.

Interview Participant: 

Tara Gurlidies, Development Director