BAKERSFIELD, Calif. | February 26, 2025 – The Kern County Fire Department (KCFD) is proud to announce that it has officially received a generous $200,000 donation from Rio Tinto U.S. Borax to support firefighter health and safety initiatives. The donation was presented during the afternoon session of the Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, February 25th.
This donation is part of a larger $600,000 contribution from Rio Tinto U.S. Borax, distributed among three organizations: Kern County Fire Department, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation, and the Los Angeles Food Bank. Each receiving $200,000 to support disaster response and recovery efforts.
Kern County Fire Chief Aaron Duncan expressed deep appreciation for the donation, stating: “The demands on our firefighters—both physically and mentally—are greater than ever. At the Kern County Fire Department, the health and well-being of our team is our highest priority. This generous donation will play a vital role in ensuring our firefighters have the resources they need to stay strong, both on and off the job. We are extremely grateful for this support, which helps us better care for those who dedicate their lives to protecting our community.”
The funds will be used to advance programs aimed at safeguarding firefighter health, including:
• Equipment to reduce exposure to cancer-causing materials.
• Support for the department’s Critical Incident Stress Management program, which provides mental health and wellness resources to firefighters.
The Kern County Fire Department extends its gratitude to Rio Tinto U.S. Borax for their generous support, which will directly benefit firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect the community.
