Each year, the Burn Institute pays tribute to individuals in the community who have risked their lives in an effort to save another from burn injury or death by fire. Over the past four decades, nearly 650 local heroes, including civilians, fire service and law enforcement professionals, have been honored with the highly-coveted award.

“These courageous individuals put their own safety aside to help someone they have never met,” said Chief Scott Walker (ret.), Burn Institute Interim Executive Director. “They are heroes in the truest sense.”

This year’s banquet was held at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay. Nearly 400 guests attended, including a heavy representation from the fire service, law enforcement agencies, government officials and corporate leaders. Our emcee for the evening was Broadcast Journalist Bridget Naso (KUSI News). The evening began with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m., followed by the awards presentation at 8 p.m. Spirit of Courage 2013 was hosted by San Diego City Firefighters Local 145 and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Tribe.

The following are this year’s recipients:
• Agent Joshua Kipp (U.S. Border Patrol)
• Agent Marco Aguilera (U.S. Border Patrol)
• Agent Genaro Torres (U.S. Border Patrol)
• Corporal Robert Cardenas (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department)
• Corporal Marisela Lozano (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department)
• Corporal Jaime Guzman (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department)
• Officer Jesse Ochoa (San Diego Police Department)
• Officer Christopher Hays (San Diego Police Department)
• Officer William Yoder (San Diego Police Department)
• Officer Nick Nunez (Oceanside Police Deparment)
• Officer Larry Weber (Oceanside Police Department)
• Todd Cameron (La Mesa Resident)
• Gary Cameron (La Mesa Resident)
• Officer Diana Hodges (San Diego Police Department)
• Sergant Brian Nevins (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department)
• Lieutenant Mike Knobbe (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department)
• Deputy Elizabeth Arana (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department)
• Deputy Garner Davis (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department)
• Deputy Luke Cully (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department)
• Deputy Richard Meharg (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department)
• Deputy Kenneth Feistel (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department)
• Deputy Kenneth Seel (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department)
• Deputy Tim Zacharzuk (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department)
• Deputy Michael Hettinger (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department)

Also honored was former Deputy Fire Chief, Denny Neville who was awarded the County Fire Chiefs’ Association (SDCFCA) prestigious Maltese Award. Neville was recognized for his outstanding efforts to improve communications interoperability for regional first responders.

In addition, the Burn Institute’s 201 3Community Hero Award was presented to the
Change A Life Foundation, and the Institute’s Pamela R. Kelly Volunteer of the Year Award went Deputy Fire Marshal, Adam Beardsley of Heartland Fire & Rescue.

The Burn Institute is a nonprofit health agency dedicated to reducing the number of burn injuries and deaths in San Diego, Imperial and San Bernardino counties through fire and burn prevention education, burn care research and treatment, and burn survivor support services.

Established in 1987, Camp Beyond the Scars celebrates its 27th year and is one of the Burn Institute’s most successful burn survivor support programs specifically designed for burn-injured children, 5-17 years. This year’s campers come from five California counties (Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego) and three states (Arizona, Nevada and Texas). The program provides important tools in a supportive atmosphere where each child can learn how to deal with the emotional and physical hardships they face as a result of their burn injury. Held in an environment with caring counselors and fellow burn survivors, young campers build self-esteem and improve coping skills. For many, the weeklong camp is the first time they have the opportunity to meet other young burn survivors just like themselves.
The Burn Institute provides this camp free of charge to burn-injured children.

This year’s summer program will be held at Oakbridge Camp located in Ramona. Throughout the week, campers will participate in a variety of activities, including swimming and water sports, rock wall climbing, a ropes course, laser tag, skate boarding at the camp skate park, frisbee golf, a talent show, biking, hiking, a visit from therapy pets, crafts, a drum circle movie night and cooling off on a field trip to the coast.

“We are so excited to welcome so many new campers this year,” stated Dana Kuhn, Director of Programs for the Burn Institute. “Our focus will be on support group sessions as well as utilizing this week together to provide the best support available and give new and old campers some life lessons that will help them cope, manage and deal with their burn injuries.”

This year’s camp will also emphasize the power of a positive attitude. Campers will learn tools to guide them through difficult circumstances. Workshops and support groups are designed for both teens and pre-teens. Also, once again this year, families dropping off their campers will be invited to a one-hour family support group.

Camp counselors include off-duty firefighters, UCSD Regional Burn Center staff, medical staff, educators and adult burn survivors who volunteer their time for the entire week.

Annually in the United States and Canada, over 400,000 people receive medical treatment for burn injuries. Roughly 40% of these injuries are scalds. Locally, 53% of all burn injuries in children under10 treated at the UCSD Burn Center are scalds. Most burns occur in the home, usually in the kitchen or bathroom.

Scalds can be prevented through increased awareness of scald hazards and by making simple environmental or behavioral changes. These include providing a “No-Kid Zone” zone while preparing and serving hot foods and beverages, and lowering the water heater thermostat to deliver water at a temperature not to exceed 120 degrees.

When: June 8, 2013
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds
Cost: Free with admission to the San Diego County Fair

The Burn Institute’s 23rd Annual FIRE & SAFETY EXPO/FIREFIGHTER DEMOLITION DERBY is scheduled for June 8^th in 2013 during the San Diego County Fair. This exciting event includes “live” firefighting demonstrations, a fire and burn prevention pavilion, safety demos, a firefighter obstacle course for the kids, live music and much more all kicking off at 10am. The FIREFIGHTER DEMOLITION DERBY always enjoys a packed house ~ by far the Burn Institute’s most popular event among the fire service! Last year’s event did not disappoint. The spectators at the standing room only event cheered the drivers on with deafening energy! It gives local firefighters the opportunity to smash for cash. NEW this year – Double the Derby Action! Don’t miss the preliminary derby heat at 1pm followed by the finals at 5pm. Admission is free with your Fair ticket!

Other Sponsors

When: April 26, 2013
Where: Petco Park
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: Varies
Why: To show appreciation to our fire service for their support
Contact: Kelsey Warren

The Padres pay tribute to the fire service with pre-game ceremonies that include hundreds of firefighters lining the first and third base paths while a firefighter sings the National Anthem. A special fire service tribute video is shown on the stadium’s big screen, and a young burn survivor throws out the first pitch. The Burn Institute sells hundreds of tickets to this special game, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the BI.

When: Thursday, May 16th
Time: 6:00 pm
Where: Hyatt Regency – Mission Bay
For tickets or sponsorship information: Joanie Ewing

Each year, the Burn Institute pays tribute to those who have risked their lives to save another from severe burn injury or death by fire. On May16, 2013, this honor will once again be bestowed on several brave and fearless individuals who went beyond the bounds of exceptional courage to save the life of a fellow human being. The life-saving act for which they are nominated involves a high degree of personal risk and exposure to themselves. The award recipients are nominated by local fire service and law enforcement agencies.

More than 500 guests are anticipated to attend the 2013 dinner, including heavy representation from the fire service, law enforcement, government officials, and local corporate leaders. As a community sponsor of this prestigious awards banquet, you not only ensure that the important work of the Burn Institute continues, including Camp Beyond the Scars for young burn survivors, but you will play a big role in making sure these heroes receive the recognition they deserve.

Other Sponsors

One his way home from a training in Mammoth, California Derek Thomas’ life was completely changed.

Derek was traveling with his girlfriend, two fellow athletes, and their coach when their SUV lost control, flipped onto its side, and was struck by an oncoming van. Derek was pulled from the vehicle with burns over 85 percent of his body, he was given a 1 percent chance of survival.

After one year in the hospital, and 43 surgeries Derek was able to return home. He had beaten the odds. His strength and will to live far exceeded scientific expectations. Derek’s survival story is astounding, and yet even more inspiring is his determination to continue living his life, uninhibited by his scars.

The Burn Institute has partnered with Derek and his family to raise funds to support his recovery, and his college aspirations. If you would like to donate, to support Derek please do so here. All donations made to support Derek will ONLY go towards Derek and his lifelong road to recovery.

On Tuesday, March 12, 2013 local firefighters will take to the streets for the Burn Institute’s 14th Annual Firefighter Boot Drive.

What began more than a decade ago as a grassroots effort backed by the fire service, the Burn Institute’s countywide Boot Drive has become a hallmark fundraiser for the organization, raising nearly $230,000 for BI programs and services in 2012! Last year, dedicated firefighters from a record 44 departments across the county gathered at more than 100 intersections to fill their boots.

Each year, hundreds of uniformed firefighters from fire departments all over San Diego County come together for a common goal, hopping aboard their engines to meet at intersections within their communities to collect donations in their boots during the morning and evening commutes. And each year passing motorists help to fill those boots with their spare change — ones, fives, twenties – even $100 bills. No matter the economy or weather, San Diegans have always given generously.

Proceeds benefit Burn Institute fire and burn prevention education programs and burn survivor support programs such as Camp Beyond the Scars for burn-injured children, 5-17 years. Celebrating its 27^th season, the Burn Institute’s unique camp program has provided a safe place for many hundreds of young burn survivors to share their experiences in a supportive camp environment.

Sponsored by the San Diego–Imperial County Fire Fighters Advisory Council to the Burn Institute and the San Diego County Fire Chiefs’ Association, the Burn Institute’s 14th Annual Firefighter Boot Drive is the organization’s largest one-day fundraiser. All of the funds raised through the Boot Drive will stay in San Diego County. As always, the top fire department from each region will win the Burn Institute’s highly-coveted bronze Boot Drive trophy.

“The Boot Drive has become one of the Institute’s most successful events,” said Scott Walker, Burn Institute Interim Executive Director. That success is directly attributed to the enthusiastic support of local firefighters, he added. ”The fire service really is the backbone of this organization. As a team we can do great things for the community.”

As with many young burn survivors, Diana was injured by a scalding liquid.

At the age of 3, Diana and her cousin were playing in the kitchen when a pot of boiling water fell on her. She was rushed to the UCSD Regional Burn Center, and sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns to her neck, chest, arms, back, thighs, and chin.

Diana has grown up with the Burn Institute. She began attending Camp Beyond the Scars as soon as she was able, at age 5. Now in her twenties, Diana continues to go to Camp, only now as a camp counselor so she can share her experience and strength with young burn survivors. Diana has also become involved in our S.O.A.R. (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) program, as a Peer Supporter. Diana is an inspiration to our staff and to her fellow survivors. Her willingness to give back to the Burn Institute, and other burn survivors demonstrates how generous and loving she truly is.

If you would like to make a donation to support Diana and other burn survivors please click here. Your donation will go towards all of the Burn Institute’s Child Burn Survivor Support programs. Your donation will make a lasting impact on the life and recovery of young burn survivors.

Marius is a true testament to the strength and perseverance of the human spirit.

His story is remarkable, and uplifting for any who face a difficult situation.

Marius is from Romania, and at the young age of 8 experienced a horrific accident. He awoke one night to a house engulfed in flames and smoke. He survived because he was able to crawl outside and away from the flames. His parents however, were not as lucky, and did not survive. Marius sustained 3rd and 4th degree burns over 75 percent of his body; he lost his nose, he lost his fingers, and he lost his family.

He was treated in Romania and placed in an orphanage while he recovered. He had two surviving siblings who were away at the time, but neither was able to care for Marius. While recovering in the orphanage Marius met two student nurses from the United States, these women feel in love with Marius, his infectious personality, and his determination to survive. They decided to do something more for him, and coordinated his transfer to Shiner’s Hospital in Los Angeles, California.

Since coming to the United States Marius has undergone multiple operations: eye reconstruction, nose reconstruction, five toe-to-finger transfers, and skin grafting of the mouth. But his healing in the United States has included more than his physical recovery. Marius was adopted by the loving family of one of the American nurses that helped him in Romania. Now a thriving teenager, Marius is settled in to his new life and new family.

Marius has become part of the Burn Institute family. He is a confident young man, and makes a difference in the lives of many because of his eagerness to share his survivor story. The Burn Institute was greatly moved by Marius’ story and has created a fund specifically for him. All donations made to support Marius will ONLY go towards Marius and his lifelong road to recovery.