2100 - 2300 W. Keim Drive Block Watch

Phony Fire Department Telemarketers Preying on Arizonans

Jun 23, 2006

***From the City of Phoenix website***

Phone solicitors falsely representing firefighters across Arizona are trying to collect money. The callers say they are firefighters representing groups such as:

Arizona Association of Firefighters
Arizona Disable Firefighters Association
Associated Firefighters of Arizona
Association of Disabled Firefighters
Disabled Firefighters of Arizona
Fire and Paramedic News
Firefighters Association of America
Foundation for Disabled Firefighters
Phoenix Firefighters
Phoenix Firefighters Association
Professional Firefighters Gazette
Professional Firefighters of Arizona
The callers will say they collect funds for many Fire Department programs, including the Phoenix Fire Department?’s bereavement services for families of firefighters lost in the line of duty, Camp Courage Burn Camp and more. Some of these phone solicitors have told citizens that if they do not donate money, they will not receive Fire Department assistance when needed.

These callers do not represent any legitimate Fire Department organizations, and money should not be donated to their causes.

At this time, the Professional Firefighters of Arizona, Local 493 know of NO CURRENT PHONE SOLICITATION BY ANY FIRE DEPARTMENT STATEWIDE. If you receive a call from a fire department organization soliciting money, hang up. If you have a question regarding the legitimacy of any organization representing a Fire Department, call the Professional Firefighters of Arizona at 602-277-1500.