Los Angeles County Firefighters Welfare Fund
Run By Firefighters For Firefighters
Who We Are
Founded Over 75 Years Ago by LA County Firefighters
We are a non-profit organization here to support the firefighters who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities, and the families who stand beside them through every call, shift, and sacrifice.
The purpose of this fund is to provide various home care and special medical equipment for members and their immediate dependents. This fund may also assist individuals who qualify for personal hardship, by providing financial aid. Applications for aid are reviewed by the Board of Directors at their monthly meeting, and decided on a case-by-case basis. For assistance contact your Battalion Director.
Our History & Purpose
How We Are Governed
For decades, the Association has served as a trusted resource within the fire service, built on a foundation of peer support, accountability, and service. What began as firefighters helping firefighters has grown into a foundation sustained by community support and donor generosity, while remaining rooted in the values of the fire service.
The Fund is guided by a board made up of fire service professionals and fire families committed to ethical leadership and responsible stewardship. Decisions are made with transparency and with the sole purpose of supporting firefighters and their families in meaningful, practical ways.
Meet The Team
Kevin Welsh
President
Kevin Welsh serves as President of the Los Angeles County Firefighters Welfare Fund. He has 14 years in the fire service and previously served as Treasurer of the Benevolent & Welfare Fund for five years, providing financial oversight and operational leadership prior to assuming his current role. His experience has positioned him to guide the organization with continuity and institutional knowledge. Kevin believes it is an honor to serve fellow firefighters and to uphold the traditions of the fire service. He finds deep purpose in supporting fire families during times of hardship and believes caring leadership is foundational to the strength of the Fund. In addition to his Board service, Kevin is the founder of the Fire Up Program, which hosts mental health retreats for first responders, and creator of The Fire You Carry Podcast. He has been married to his wife, Harmony, for 19 years, and together they are raising their two daughters.
Brandon Smith
Vice President
Brandon Smith serves as Vice President of the Los Angeles County Firefighters Welfare Fund. He is a Captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and has 21 years in the fire service, including 13 years with Los Angeles County and prior service in the United States Air Force, where he began his career as a firefighter at age 20. In addition to his operational leadership, Brandon has supported fundraising efforts for members impacted by the Palisades and Eaton Fires, helping raise financial assistance for firefighters who lost their homes. Brandon joined the Board because he believes the Welfare Fund fills an essential role within the department, providing support when members and their families face their most difficult moments. Early in his career, he was influenced by retired leaders who demonstrated what selfless service looks like in practice. That example shaped his commitment to continue the tradition of standing behind firefighters in times of need. He serves as a youth baseball coach and has been married to his wife, Sierra, for eight years while raising their six-year-old son.
Chris Polanco
Treasurer
Christopher Polanco serves as Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Firefighters Welfare Fund. He is an Engineer (Firefighter Specialist) with more than 14 years of service in the Los Angeles County Fire Department. In addition to his operational responsibilities, Christopher has served in leadership roles including Battalion 18 Benevolent & Welfare Representative and Battalion Driving Specialist, bringing financial oversight experience and operational insight to the Board. Christopher agreed to serve because he believes strong leadership and trusted teamwork can expand the Fund’s ability to support firefighters and their families. To him, the Welfare Fund represents a commitment that no member is forgotten and that support is available when traditional systems fall short. He believes accountability is essential in this role and that showing up for fellow firefighters during times of need defines the strength of the organization. He has been married to his wife, Heather, for over 17 years, and together they are raising their two children while remaining active in faith-based service work both locally and internationally.
Lela Queen
Programs Coordinator
Lela Queen serves as Programs Coordinator for the Los Angeles County Firefighters Welfare Fund and has supported the organization for seven years. She brings a strong background in science, holding a Master of Science degree, along with professional experience as a biologist, environmental scientist, entrepreneur, and business owner. Her expertise includes grant writing and distribution, analytics, budget management, and operational coordination, all of which contribute to the Fund’s ability to responsibly manage resources and deliver meaningful assistance to firefighters and their families. Lela chose to serve because she believes firefighters deserve dependable support when hardship strikes and no other system is stepping in. She has witnessed firsthand the lengths the organization goes to assist members and is committed to ensuring that compassion, patience, and active listening remain central to its work. She is an active Los Angeles County Search and Rescue Diver and serves in her church’s children’s programs. She is married to Bryan Queen, a Los Angeles County firefighter, and together with their five children live an active family life that includes their homestead.
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Ian Meyers
Director of Communications
Ian Meyers serves as Director of Communications for the Los Angeles County Firefighters Welfare Fund. He is a Firefighter Paramedic with 17 years in the fire service, including five years with the El Segundo Fire Department and 12 years with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. A licensed paramedic for the past decade, Ian also serves on the Department’s Peer Support team, providing assistance to firefighters during times of personal and professional hardship. Through his role on the Board, he oversees digital communications, website development, and strategic outreach efforts that support the Fund’s mission. Ian joined the Board out of a deep commitment to serving firefighters and their families during their most difficult moments. He understands that reaching out for help is often hardest when it is needed most, and he believes the Welfare Fund exists to provide steady support when members face unexpected hardship. He is married to his wife, Jessica, and together they are raising their three children.
A Legacy Of Support
Our Commitment to Donors
We take our responsibility to donors seriously. Contributions are used to fund programs and assistance efforts aligned with our mission, and we prioritize financial transparency so supporters can give with confidence and clarity.
