GARDEN GROVE : Firefighters Warn Against Solicitations

For the second time this year, city firefighters have warned residents to be wary of telephone solicitors using the Fire Department to seek donations for disabled firefighters.

Capt. Bill Dumas issued the warning this week because of what he said were increasing complaints from people who are upset about the solicitations.

Dumas said that the calls are apparently being made by employees of Garden Grove-based United Liberty Productions on behalf of the Foundation for Disabled Firefighters, a nonprofit organization.

“They’re soliciting using our name,” said Dumas.

He said that neither United Liberty Productions nor the Foundation for Disabled Firefighters is authorized to solicit donations on behalf of the Garden Grove Fire Department or the Garden Grove Firefighters Assn.

But Cynthia Wright, general manager of United Liberty Productions, denied using the Fire Department or local firefighters, saying the telephone solicitations are legitimate.

“It’s about money; that’s what it’s all about,” said Wright, who has coordinated fund-raising efforts for the foundation for the past six years. “We interfere in their ability to raise money.”

She said that the foundation, which was founded by now-deceased firefighter Robert Greenwell in 1986, is not affiliated with any fire department in Orange County, “because we don’t want to be involved in politics.”

The foundation raises money to help pay medical expenses for injured firefighters and provides loans and grants to disabled firefighters, Wright said.