The Fremont Firefighters, as an organization, was first established as the Fremont Firefighters Association, Inc. back in May 18, 1963.  Shortly thereafter our members joined the International Association of Firefighters and thus formed Local 1689.  In addition, we affiliated with our state organization, the California Professional Firefighters.  What started as five independent volunteer fire companies ultimately evolved into a fully paid fire department with 122 active members. Our organization has always been very active in the community with fund raisers for charitable organizations and civic groups in our area.  Some of the events we participate in every year are: Every summer Local 1689 is a sponsor for the Great Fremont Rotary Chili Cook-Off. The event has seen a number of Fremont Firefighter chili cook-off teams in past years (including last year’s Best Public Safety Chili Award for our Fire Station #5; and the People’s Choice 2^nd Place Award for Fremont Fire Station #1. The beneficiaries include the Alicia Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, HOPE Project Mobile Clinic, Washington on Wheels, Tri-City Rotary Clinic and public safety charities of the Martin C. Kauffman 100 Club and Kidango. Our Fill-The-Boot Drive in September to collect donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The event coincides with the National Muscular Dystrophy Association Drive on Labor Day weekend.  The International Association of Firefighters is the largest sponsor of MDA’s Labor Day Telethon, and contributed a remarkable $27.6 million in 2011 as a consequence of the overwhelming enthusiasm and contributions of thousands of fire fighters and paramedics across the U.S. and Canada.  IAFF members have donated over $450 million to MDA since 1954. We also put on the Firefighter Pancake Breakfast every year at Fire Station #9 to raise money for a number charities which include: Fremont Fire Explorers, Alicia Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, Fremont Rehab Team, 100 Club of Alameda County, YMCA and Adobe Services. Our Guns and Hoses Charity Basketball Game between Fremont Firefighters and Fremont Police Officers helps to raise money for Special Olympics, Northern California East Bay Region.  Fremont Firefighters also get out into the community at the annual 4^th of July Parade, Niles Merchants Association Annual Festival of Lights and the Fremont Festival of Arts. Fremont Firefighters also host the National Fallen Firefighter Golf tournament in an effort to raise money for the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation whose mission is to honor and remember America's fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives.  This year’s tournament is scheduled for May 21^st. The Fremont Fire Department implemented the Student Firefighter Work Experience Program allowing students a chance to work along Fremont Firefighters during various shifts up to 24 hours in length and the opportunity to live in a firehouse, while also training, responding to emergencies and non-emergencies and taking part in other activities that make up the day of a firefighter such as fire prevention inspections, station and equipment maintenance and public education such as school presentations or station tours.  Several students have participated and are currently in the program under the watchful eye and guidance of Local 1689 members.  In communities in the United States and Canada, fire fighters have started a movement to wear and sell pink T-shirts as part of campaigns to raise money for all women in their fight against cancer. Inspired by the success of these campaigns, delegates at the IAFF 2010 Convention passed a resolution in support of breast cancer awareness and encouraging affiliates to develop campaigns to benefit local and national organizations dedicated to finding a cure for cancer.  Local 1689 members did their part and wore pink uniorm t-shirts the month of October in support of breast cancer awareness.