The Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Association (BHFA) celebrated its 33rd annual Backdraft Ball on June 5 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. BHFA, the organization representing Beverly Hills’ full-time paramedics and firefighters, also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Beverly Hills Fire Department.
In addition to firefighting and providing emergency services, the BHFA offers several community outreach programs, such as Stop the Burn and the Fire Extinguisher Program.
As host for the evening, comedian Adam Carolla kept the atmosphere invigorating while honoring the hard work done by the Beverly Hills firefighters. Led by auctioneer Chuck Dukas, the evening event auctioned luxury vacations, experiences, items such as VIP tickets to a Dodgers game, an all-inclusive six-night safari, and a party with the Beverly Hills firefighters. The funds raised will go to the BHFA Medical Retirement Fund, which helps provide healthcare coverage to retired members and their spouses.
Attendees enjoyed light refreshments, a three-course dinner, and an opportunity to show their support for the firefighters who keep their community safe every day.
“Our firefighters work tirelessly 24 hours a day, seven days a week, spending roughly one-third of their lives on the job,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, who was joined by fellow members of City Council. “When others run away from danger, they are courageously running towards it.”
Out of over 30,000 fire departments worldwide, the Beverly Hills Fire Department is one of 124 that are both Class 1 and internationally accredited. They are one of only four fire departments in California to have both feats.
“As an organization, we strive to deliver exceptional customer service and exceed the expectation of the community,” Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton affirmed.
Beverly Hills Fire Captain Ernie Carol was honored with the Felix Rothchild Firefighter of the Year Award for his exceptional leadership and initiative. Presenting Carol with the award, Barton spoke to his impact both within and beyond the fire department.
But honoring firefighters at the annual Backdraft Ball meant something a little bit different this year. On Jan. 7, when the Palisades fire struck just miles away, Beverly Hills firefighters rushed to the front lines to assist the Los Angeles Fire Department in battling the deadly blazes, which became part of some of the deadliest wildfires in L.A. history. The evening paid tribute to those on the frontlines, showing a video of Beverly Hills firefighters sharing their experiences from Jan. 7.
As a nod to BHFD’s deep ties to the community, Barton honored Reggie Sully with the Judie Fenton Community & Volunteer Excellence Award for his dedication to saving pets and helping displaced families during the Palisades fire. Sully helped Palisades families locate missing jewelry and family heirlooms, and even arranged for cadaver dogs to locate one family’s urn.
Similarly, BHFA President Bruno Palmieri spoke at length about the organization’s consistent commitment of “doing what is right” for the community.
“We serve a world-class city, and what makes it even more special is a world-class community that serves us and supports us,” Palmieri told the crowd. “Time and time again, you all stepped up—each and every one of you who supported us. You show us we’re not just your first responders, but we’re your neighbors, we’re your friends, we’re your family—and we never take that for granted.”
One of the yearly community engagement programs is the Donald Reynolds Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Association Scholarship Fund, which awards students with college scholarships. Honoring the memory of Donald Reynolds, who shared a deep bond with BHFD, his wife, Jeanne S. Marks, established the fund to support the children of active BHFA members in pursuing their educational aspirations.
This year, eight students were awarded scholarships and recognized at the Backdraft Ball: Ashley Gardy, Dane Hillis, Hannah Hillis, Sophia Mack, Mia Maher, Conner Morrow, Toring Stanley, and Corbin Stanley.
The evening wrapped up with an acknowledgment to the Beverly Hills firefighters and members of the community in attendance, followed by lively entertainment and dancing.
