Volunteer Group Soliciting Funds Not Affiliated With Local Fire Departments

August 8, 2010

A search and rescue group using a private company to solicit funds in Santa Rosa county is in no way affiliated with Santa Rosa County.

Santa Rosa Volunteer Search & Rescue, Inc. is not associated with local fire departments or emergency services provided by the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners, according to Santa Rosa County Public Information Officer Joy Tsubooka.

“While other organizations may be called upon to assist in some instances, this volunteer organization is not affiliated with any Santa Rosa County government office or any of the 16 fire districts,” Tsubooka said.

County search and rescue functions are coordinated through emergency management and are primarily conducted by fire departments and the volunteer organization CERT or Citizen Emergency Response Team. Citizens wishing to make donations in support of their fire department are encouraged to do so in person at their local fire headquarters.

Santa Rosa Volunteer Search & Rescue, Inc. approached the Santa Rosa County Firefighters Association at their June board meeting seeking support for their fundraising plan, Tsubooka said. The association, made up of local fire chiefs and firefighters, declined to support the plan and asked the volunteer organization not to solicit donations door-to-door, as it may be perceived as the fire departments asking for additional money above MSBU or fire taxes paid by residents each year.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News