Ventura County Fire Department Widows, Orphans & Assistance Fund

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The Ventura County Fire Department Widows, Orphans and Assistance Fund, or WOAF, was founded in the late 1960s. It still maintains its original concept; the promotion and maintenance of a fraternal spirit and attitude amongst all members (all VCFD employees) and their families, both active and retired.

We offer and provide financial and material aid to all members and their dependents that are ill, injured, or the victims of unforeseen circumstances that have drastically altered their normal way of life.

Our single greatest mission is to be prepared provide whatever assistance is needed to family members in the event of a firefighter line of duty death or catastrophic injury. Sadly, we recently had to carry out that mission, and although we hope never to have to do so again, we will be prepared.

The Ventura County Fire Department Widows, Orphans & Assistance Fund takes pride in its ability to serve our membership. We will continue to look for better ways to be of service and wish to extend our sincere appreciation to all who have contributed, both time and money, to keep this vital organization in existence.

If you are interested in the latest news about our organization check out these articles.

President's Message

To our community, and to our fire family near and far, we welcome you to get to know us, our history, and our purpose. Organizations like the WOAF have existed in fire departments across the country for over a hundred years. Most with the very same mission we have today, but the fire service is much more diverse than it was back then. Today we are able to carry out our mission because of a well-organized team of men and women, who see to it that when the “bell goes off” we have the equipment, information, communication, training, plan of operation and dedication to achieve our goal of excellence in public service.

The delivery of our service does not just come from the fire stations serving the communities we protect. Our department members, both civilian and safety personnel, work harmoniously to ensure our citizens get the best service we can deliver. Brothers and Sisters of the VCFD family, this site was created with the goal of providing better service and communication to you, its members. The intent is to keep you informed about the WOAF’s operations, events and services, and to give you the ability to communicate with us and our Board members.

It is an honor and privilege to serve as your President.I am extremely fortunate to have a talented and dedicated Executive Board, District Representatives, and support staff serving alongside me, all of whom, like myself, volunteer our time to keep this worthwhile organization up and running. No one is more important than you, the members we serve, without whom the WOAF would not exist. On behalf of the Widows, Orphans, and Assistance Fund Board of Directors, I want to thank all of you for your continued support. We hope you enjoy the website and will use it to strengthen our Fire Department family.

Randy Gilbert

President