FireFighterNation

By Bob Graham
Published Thursday, May 10, 2012

The San Diego Fireman’s Relief Association held a second bone marrow registry drive and open house in support of San Diego Fire-Rescue Firefighter Arsenio “RC” Ortanez, who is battling chronic myelogenous leukemia. 

Firefighter Aid, a local charity that helps firefighters in need and the San Diego Fireman’s Relief Association organized the bone marrow registry drive on April 28, which saw a steady stream of volunteers  register and provide samples to become potential life-saving donors, not for  just RC, but for anyone battling leukemia during the event. 

Held at Station 44, near the community of Mira Mesa, San Diego Fire-Recue firefighters and CERT team members volunteered their time to allow the station to remain on duty. Visitors were able to tour the station, check out Engine 44, Truck 44, Hazmat 1 and 2 while children were able to tour a rolling classroom on fire safety.

The first two donor drives saw a significant number of applicants and according to George Duardo, current president of the SDFRA, the drive could become at least a yearly tradition within the San Diego Firefighting community.   
 

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  Bob Graham

  Bob Graham is a writer and photojournalist based in San Diego. He has worked in fire journalism for many years; one of his technical writing projects well known to firefighters over the past few years was the Holmatro Guide to Vehicle Extrication. Graham's background includes a stint in the automotive industry, where he was one of the first Toyota Master Technicians in the U.S.; a degree in Business Administration; and photography projects in aviation, railroading and endangered species. Read Full Bio

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