When Brian Bowis participated in Newport Beach's Distinguished Citizens Program two years ago, he discovered something surprising: while other California cities had foundations to support their fire departments, Newport Beach—despite its wealth and civic engagement—did not. That realization sparked a mission that would fill a critical gap in community support for the brave men and women who protect our coastal paradise.

A Foundation Born from Need

In September 2024, the Newport Beach Fire Department Foundation officially launched as the city's first 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting our firefighters, paramedics, and lifeguards. "Prior to us, if somebody wanted to give, there was no avenue to do that that was tax-deductible," explains Bowis, who serves as the foundation's chairman. “We are following the model of other successful First Responder foundations throughout the country, including the LAFD Foundation.”

The timing proved fortuitous. Just months after the foundation's establishment, Newport Beach deployed two strike teams to battle the devastating fires in the Palisades and Pasadena areas in January 2025. For two grueling weeks, our local heroes fought on the front lines of one of the most significant Santa Ana wind events in recent history, raising community awareness about both fire prevention and the critical need to support those who protect us.

Beyond the Call of Duty

The foundation's mission extends far beyond purchasing equipment. At its heart lies a commitment to the physical and mental well-being of Newport Beach's 150-plus first responders who answer approximately 10,000 calls annually.

"Firefighting is one of the top professions for long-term cancer risk," Bowis notes. The foundation prioritizes cancer prevention through screenings and MRIs, helping first responders stay ahead of potential health risks. They've also invested in detox chambers for fire stations, allowing crews to sweat out harmful toxins after exposure to battery fumes, chemicals and smoke from fires.

Mental health support proves equally crucial. Like military veterans, first responders witness horrific scenes—from fatal car accidents to traumatic deaths—that can lead to PTSD, depression, substance abuse and family strain. The foundation provides counseling services and therapy programs to help these heroes process their experiences and maintain their emotional well-being.

Community Investment in Safety

The foundation fills critical gaps when the city's annual budget falls short. Recent strategies include Starlink satellite dishes mounted on emergency vehicles for enhanced communications, AI-powered cameras for wildfire monitoring in Newport's canyon areas and specialized equipment that city budgets couldn't accommodate.

"We're trying to grow this to about a million dollars a year," Bowis shares. Support has already begun pouring in, with Hoag Hospital contributing $50,000 at the Newport Beach Country Club's golf classic and several six-figure donations arriving after the LA fires heightened awareness about fire prevention.

The foundation also invests in the future by providing scholarships for fire cadets—young people aged 16-18 who aspire to become firefighters. These funds help cover tuition for Fire Academy or EMS technician certification, ensuring a new generation of first responders for our community.

Adopt Your Station: A Neighborhood Initiative

One of the foundation's most innovative programs encourages neighborhoods to "adopt" their local fire station. Newport Beach's eight stations each serve distinct communities, ranging from the Port Streets to Crystal Cove, and from Newport Coast to the Balboa Peninsula.

"We want people to give to their station and get to know their local first responders," Bowis explains. Whether providing new station amenities, upgrading facilities, or stocking healthy snacks, communities can directly support the firefighters who would respond to their emergencies.

A Personal Touch

During the January 2025 fires, the foundation didn't just support the deployed crews—they also cared for the families left behind. "We were sending care packages to the firefighters' families because when they go away for two weeks, they have kids and it's just a lot," Bowis recalls. "They're nervous because a lot of times they can't get in touch because there's no cell service."

This personal attention has made a profound impact. Firefighters with 20-30 years of service report they've never felt more supported, with one veteran noting that their families have never been so well cared for during deployments.

How You Can Help

The Newport Beach Fire Department Foundation operates entirely through volunteers, with every dollar raised going directly to support our first responders. Whether you're interested in making a monetary contribution, volunteering to help organize community support for your local station, or simply spreading awareness about the foundation's mission, your involvement makes a difference.

As our community faces increasing wildfire risks and our first responders encounter growing mental health challenges, the foundation's work has never been more critical. These are the men and women who rush toward danger when everyone else runs away—who save lives in our hospitals, on our beaches and in our neighborhoods every single day.

To learn more about the Newport Beach Fire Department Foundation, visit www.nbfdfoundation.org or follow @nbfdfoundation on Instagram. Because when our heroes need support, our community answers the call.

The Newport Beach Fire Department Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.