The City of Fairfax Professional Firefighters and Paramedics IAFF Local 2702 is a proud partner of Operation Warm, Inc. and participates in the IAFF’s Firefighters for Operation Warm Program. This program is a movement led by professional firefighters to combat the effects of childhood poverty.

With our poverty levels increasing, the L2702 feels that it is our duty to do our part in assisting families within our community that need assistance. By nature of our service, we interact with the public everyday and see the harsh effect poverty has on these children. The L2702 has teamed up with the City of Fairfax Fire Department and the City of Fairfax School Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan to provide brand new winter coats to children in need in our local elementary schools.

With monetary support from the community, the firefighters are able to give the gift of warmth to these children right before the harsh winter weather. City of Fairfax Firefighters go to each school to help personally fit each child with a new coat, and helping them to write their name in the interior tag which reads, “Made Just for You.”

Operation Warm, Inc. has manufactured 90,000 100% American-made coats specifically for the firefighter’s program, supporting over 200 jobs. As the first known coat production to be brought back to the USA, the children will receive bright, new coats made with American pride. “This is so much more than a coat,” said Walter English, President, Local 2702. “Beyond warmth and dignity for children, American coat production targets a root cause of poverty for so many families.”

“This is a program that strengthens communities and the overall well-being of children,” stated Rich Lalley, Executive Director of Operation Warm. “A new coat boosts a child’s self-esteem and allows families to stretch limited financial resources to other basic necessities, such as food and shelter.”

If you have any questions regarding or if you are interested in assisting the City of Fairfax Operation Warm Initiative, please contact us by e-mail. OperationWarm@fairfaxfire.org