One805, the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting first responders that raised $2 million as part of the Kick Ash Bash in 2018, is formalizing efforts for continued support of Santa Barbara city and county Police, Fire and Sheriff departments.
The community is invited to become a part of the effort to provide essential funding for emergency equipment, educational programming, and counseling services to be used by first responders in Santa Barbara County.
“First responders are our first line of defense for natural and man-made threats, emergencies and disasters,” said Santa Barbara City Police Chief Lori Luhnow. “Our community’s ability to respond and be resilient is closely tied to our first responders’ ability to work together as a joint operations team at all phases of an incident.
“The one805 organization supports the effort to strengthen the coordination among the entire public safety profession while also providing vital equipment for our entire region. I and other public safety leaders are grateful for the one805 organization and their efforts.”
With the unanimous support and participation of each of the Santa Barbara county and city Fire, Sheriff and Police departments, one805 is the first organization of its kind to consolidate efforts to amplify the message of supporting first responders.
One805’s Advisory Council is comprised of a representative from each of the Fire, Police and Sheriff departments in Santa Barbara County; it will ensure all funds raised are donated effectively and equitably.
To allow all community members to be a part of the mission, one805 is offering affordable individual memberships, business sponsorships and volunteer opportunities. Local residents can show support for first responders by visiting www.one805.org to sign up as a member and follow one805 on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
“By popular demand in the first-responder community, one805 is here to stay” said Richard Weston Smith, one805 president. “It is clear ongoing support is needed, so we have spent the last year reorganizing. Now let’s work together to get the community onboard.”
Services and equipment procured through one805 efforts continue to be put to good use. “The mobile command units made possible through the generous donations by one805 have already proven to be valuable resources on a few different significant events within the county,” said Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Hartwig.
One805 was created in the aftermath of the 2018 Thomas Fire and debris flow to show appreciation for heroic first responders and raise much-needed funds. The Kick Ash Bash met those goals and provided funding for three mobile command units along with other equipment and services currently being used to help keep the community safe.
“Unfortunately, disasters and accidents are inevitable, and we depend on our first responders to come to our aid in our hour of need, often testing resources to the limit,” said Eric Philips, One805 CEO. “It’s time everyone steps up and proudly sports the one805 logo to show our unified support for the folks on our front lines.”
“One805 is an extraordinary organization,” said Santa Barbara Sheriff Bill Brown. “Through the selflessness of its members and the generosity of our community, the public safety agencies of Santa Barbara County are obtaining otherwise unaffordable assets that help us save lives and protect property.”
To learn about the upcoming One805 Live! Music Festival and how to support one805, visit www.one805.org.
— Erinn Lynch for One805.
