Pictured L to R: Back row, Captain Scott Fuller, Lowe’s Store Manager, Pablo Sanchez and Supervisor, Carey Soderberg. Front row: Kensington Fire Safe Board Co-Chair, Vicki Pinkus, Treasurer, Amy Dyson, Co-Chair, Judy Harrington; Secretary, Gayla Pierce; Firefighter Lauren Thiel and Lowe’s Assistant Manager, Manny Rodriguez.
Kensington Fire Safe through Co-Chair Judy Harrington was able to support Station 18 in getting a new BBQ pit by calling Lowe’s assistant manager, Manny Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez worked with Lowe’s management to secure a gift certificate toward the cost of a top-notch grill, which they agreed to sell at cost, and KFS board members decided they would chip in to cover the balance.
But when Captain Scott Fuller, Firefighter Lauren Thiel and KFS board members showed up on April 24th to purchase the grill, they were delightfully surprised to hear that the store managers decided to cover the full cost, and the firefighters could keep the gift certificate for other needs.
“We just felt so appreciative of all these brave firefighters do to keep us all safe, and we wanted to do more,” said Manny Rodriguez. “And they deserve some great barbecued meals!”
Kensington Fire Safe Co-Chair, Vicki Pinkus added, “Our community really values the job these men and women do for us, and we’re so pleased that they gave us the opportunity to help.”
“It’s always great to connect with the community when there isn’t a fire,” Fire Captain Fuller said. “We’re so grateful to Lowes and Kensington Fire Safe for helping us out with this beautiful new grill. We will put it to great use!”
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Station 18 is located at 4676 Felton St in San Diego.
Kensington Fire Safe, a volunteer, non-profit, 501(c)(3) that promotes fire safety in Kensington and surrounding communities, is a fire safe council under the auspices of the Fire Safe Councils of San Diego County. KFS is funded through grants from the FSC of SDC, San Diego Regional Fire Foundation and SDG&E, as well as residents’ donations.