12/2/22

To our fire family:

The Indian River Firefighters Benevolent Association is a non-profit 501(C)3 charity organization established in 2012 with the objective to support the health, safety, and welfare of the Indian River Firefighting Community. The Benevolent provides financial, physical, and emotional assistance to over 270 members and their families in times of need. We are also very active in the community and participate in many events as well as donate/support multiple local charities throughout the area.

The Benevolent has had many successes and changes over the past year. A new Board of Directors have taken over the Benevolent with the common goal of supporting our fellow firefighters, their families, and to continue building a positive image of our fire dept through community outreach.  The Firefighter Memorial at Station 2 was given a complete makeover.  The Benevolent Beer Booth at the Fair had its best year yet despite a few rain days, and a new website was created to help promote the Benevolent and the many great events that have taken place over the past few years.  This past June, we built one of the most successful offshore fishing tournaments held at Sebastian Saltwater Marina in Sebastian. This event raised enough money to not only help support the Benevolent, but we were also able to donate $10,000 to the Clean Water Coalition of IRC.  The winning Junior Angler from the fishing tournament was awarded a $1,000 Scholarship as well.  Our goal of helping raise awareness for the lagoon through the “Firefighters for Clean Water” Campaign did not go unnoticed. The Tournament was featured in multiple magazines including Florida Sportsman, CWC Newsletter and Vero Beach Magazine.  In October, our 2^nd annual golf tournament hosted by the Vero Beach Country Club was once again a huge success. In the 2 years we have held this event, we raised enough money to donate over $25,000 to the Mental Health Association of Indian River County.  In addition to the above donations, the Benevolent assisted five members this past year and donated to many other great organizations to help promote and foster a positive community relationship. 

In the coming years, we look forward to continuing to maintain and grow the Benevolent beer booth, fishing and golf tournaments, assisting our own in times of need and supporting our local community organizations.  With all that being said, it does not go unnoticed that it is each one of you who continues to help us move forward on this path through your volunteering at the many events. The Benevolent Board thanks you and is grateful for your continued help and support each and every year. 

 Sincerely,  

Brad Eskew, President 

Nick Rains, Vice-President

Carlo Marques, Secretary/Treasurer

Will Willmot, Trustee

John O’Connor, Trustee