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The OCFA Benevolent Association was formed in 1985 when a small
group of firefighters began formulating a plan to have a formal
organization to help our members in need. These founding members
contacted many different organizations to learn how they were
organized, funded and managed. Based on their research, this group
presented their idea at our fire stations to garner support. After
enlisting the help of a CPA and an Attorney, the group was able to
obtain Incorporation with the State of California, and a
Not-for-profit status with the IRS in 1986. Soon after, the first
Board of Directors were elected, Articles of Incorporation and
By-Laws were drafted and bank accounts set up. Since those meager
beginnings, our Association has grown and matured in a big way. We
have come from a single checking account, with three pages of
By-Laws, and all of our records stored in a cardboard box, to an
organization with membership over 1200 people, multiple accounts, a
full-time office staff, By-Laws of nearly forty pages, and multiple
benefits and services.
Our Association fulfills this mission by utilizing an all-volunteer Board of Directors which allows us to focus the dues payments from our members directly to benefits and services. Additionally, the Association has always utilized a conservative and prudent investment plan, in which we have put unused funds into very solid investment holdings. Our Association provides numerous benefits to its members, such as, hardship loans and grants, remembrance flowers and cards, funeral assistance, death benefits, scholarships, family events, retirement dinner programs, and supplemental insurance programs. The Association gladly accepts donations from the public and through corporate sponsorships. To donate to the Association, please click on the tab: “Making a Donation” available home page of this site. Another way that the Association funds its programs and benefits is through the fundraising profits of the Orange County Fire Store. Under lease agreement with the OCFA, our Association operates a full retail store at the RFOTC Headquarters of the OCFA. This store is available and open to the members of the OCFA, as well as the general public and offers apparel, gifts, and other accessories. You can also shop online at the store by visiting our website: www.ocfirestore.com. Thank you for visiting our site and learning about us. We encourage you to contact us if you are interested in learning more about the Association. You can also visit our office and store in person between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. |
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