ELK GROVE, CA, (MPG) - Firefighters, interns and volunteers stood at all four corners of the intersection at Laguna Boulevard and Bruceville Road this past weekend, shaking boots and calling on passing drivers to donate to a cause that hits close to home: the Firefighters Burn Institute.

Boot in hand, Cosumnes Fire Chief Felipe Rodriguez joined his team on the pavement, leading the charge in the department’s long-running, community-driven fundraising effort. The money raised will support survivors of burn injuries and programs that help families recover and rebuild.

“It shows the selflessness that exists within our community, where people are willing to give for a greater cause,” Rodriguez said. “Very altruistic, to donate for something that's going to help many who have been severely affected by a burn.”

Founded in 1973, the Firefighters Burn Institute (FFBI) provides support to burn victims of all ages, with services ranging from medical care assistance to prevention education. A significant portion of the funds raised also goes toward programs like burn survivor camps for children, where young victims can connect with others who share similar experiences.

“We raise funds for burn victims to raise awareness on preventing burn injuries,” said Rodriguez. “We have a burn camp that we support ... for children who’ve been burned, many of them with very severe injuries, and they can spend a week with other kids who have also been burned and just be themselves.”

The entire event is run on a volunteer basis by off-duty firefighters, fire interns and support from community members. Despite being limited to a single intersection, the turnout and energy were high, with firefighters hoping to exceed their usual range of $25,000 to $28,000 — aiming this year for a potential $40,000 to $50,000 in just eight hours.

“Hopefully, we’re in the $40,000 to $50,000 mark,” said firefighter-paramedic Eric Jackson, who helped organize the event with colleague Manuel Carter. “It kind of goes up and down. Depends on the economy and the time of year. I feel like we’re in a good spot right now in the city of Elk Grove and the state of California.”

Jackson emphasized the broader impact of the burn institute, which supports firefighters and civilians alike across Central and Northern California. 

“There’s kids camps. There’s a burn unit at UC Davis that was started with FFBI help,” he said. “We have all sorts of resources that are throughout the region, and that’s what all the money goes towards.”

Even though the entire event was confined to one busy intersection, the team made it count.

“We have people on every corner,” Jackson said. “You’ll see people going in and out of the cars as the light turns red. It’s the same intersection we’ve used for the past 20 years.”

Roughly 40 to 50 people were on-site throughout the day, all volunteering their time. Some helped for an hour; others stayed the entire day. Support also came from neighboring fire agencies in Courtland, Walnut Grove and Wilton. And while volunteers worked the lanes of traffic, local businesses helped behind the scenes.

“All the food we have here ... is donated from the community,” Jackson noted. “Pizza, coffee, Crumbl Cookie, Starbucks, they all provide food for our event to feed everybody. So, you come out here, shake a boot for a couple hours, get some free food, hang out with your friends, and it’s a good time.”

For firefighter Milo Griffin, the event is a tradition he’s proud to continue, ever since his intern days in 2006. 

“It’s a great opportunity to raise funds for some people who really need the help and who receive care,” Griffin said. “If this wasn’t an option, they might not be able to either afford that care or be able to get that care.”

Intern Charley Magee, who comes from a family of firefighters, said she’s participated since childhood and still finds it meaningful.

“I just love giving back to my community, especially the fire department and this specific profit that we’re doing,” she said. “Everyone is always super supportive, super nice, super respectful ... and if they’re not donating, they’re honking their horns or waving.”

For Cosumnes Community Services District Board President Angela Spease, the community’s response reflects the trust and respect they have for the department.

“They love it, because our firefighters are who we trust to come into our homes and they do so much for us,” said Spease. “So, the least they can do is donate to those that unfortunately got burned in the line of duty.”

Fire Chief Rodriguez is expected to present the total donation amount at an upcoming district board meeting.