SAN DIEGO – Local volunteer firefighters, Cody Lingard of Rainbow Volunteer Fire Department and Paul Andrews of De Luz Volunteer Fire Department were honored as Firefighters of the Year for their outstanding service by the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation on Nov. 15.

"San Diego County has no county fire department and relies on properly equipped and trained volunteer firefighters to respond to medical emergencies and control wildfires to reduce the possibility of disaster," said Joan Jones, executive director of the San Diego Fire Foundation. "We are thrilled to honor and recognize the work and service of these remarkable men and women who volunteer much of their time and energy as first responders to San Diego County fires. They put their own safety on the line everyday as volunteers to protect the citizens of San Diego. It’s important Advertisement

[ Pala Mesa Resort ] to express our deepest appreciation for all that they do to keep our communities safe."

The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation, over the past 22 years, has granted over $4 million for everything from fire hose, to medical and rescue equipment, to fire trucks to volunteer fire agencies in rural San Diego. At this year’s event, the foundation presented $278,000 in grants.

De Luz Volunteer Fire Department received $5,000 for a fire hose and hand tools. San Diego County Fire Authority received $100,000 for an airborne video camera system.

Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Department received $8,100 for a cascade system and multi-gas detector. Sunshine Summit Volunteer Fire Department received $14,000 for a hydraulic hose expander. Montezuma Valley Volunteer Fire Department received $8,000 for a thermal imaging camera. Borrego Springs Fire Protection District received $5,700 for 10 self-contained breathing apparatus masks.