Firefighter Founders
We launched the LENS Foundation with generous donations from our "Fifty Founders," dedicated to supporting the Isle of Palms Police Department (IOPPD). Earlier this year, we proudly extended our mission to include the Isle of Palms Fire Department (IOPFD), recognizing that a true first responder community encompasses all first responders from both police and fire departments. We now invite those who were not among the initial Founders to join us as "Firefighter Founders." Your support will help us expand our services to the dedicated men and women of the IOPFD, with a primary focus on wellness initiatives.
The LENS IOP Advisory Board, reflecting a unified commitment to enhance public safety across the island, has enthusiastically endorsed this new partnership. Isle of Palms Fire Chief, Craig Oliverius, noted, "The quality and generosity of the LENS Foundation have made a lasting impact on our community and our first responders. We are excited about our future collaborations which align perfectly with our missions to serve and protect." LENS provided support will include, but not be limited to wellness, hardship and family educational support.
This partnership will empower the LENS Foundation to raise funds for critical situations faced by our firefighters, who courageously respond to emergencies ranging from health crises to life-threatening fires. These heroes, who rush towards danger to save others, sometimes face personal challenges otherwise not met. With increased community backing, we can ensure they receive the support they need. Let's stand by our firefighters as steadfastly as they stand by us."
Fire Marshal Sean Harshaw and LENS Deputy Rob Hauff will lead this initiative, aiming to introduce safety and prevention programs that leverage iniqure firefighting expertise. We invite the community to support our cause and help enhance the quality of life on the Isle of Palms.
We are fortunate to have such well-trained and progressive fire and police departments in our community. Partnering with the LENS Foundation as a "Firefighter Founder” is a wonderful opportunity to assist our first responders and support public safety programs.
Become a Firefighter Founder
Firefighter Founders are asked to make a minimum tax-deductible donation of $500 to help grow LENS’ services. Checks can be made out to The LENS Foundation/IOP/FF and mailed to:
The LENS Foundation
1050 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Suite 912
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Or by clicking the button below:
About the Isle of Palms Fire Department (IOPFD)
The IOPFD responds to various emergencies alongside their law enforcement partners, including structure fires, medical emergencies, and advanced life support care. They perform search and rescue operations on land, in the Atlantic Ocean, and in other waterways. Their personnel are trained in hazardous materials, technical rescue, and vehicle extrication.
Over 70% of emergency calls involve both Police and Fire responding together to incidents such as building fires, medical emergencies, water rescues, and vehicle accidents. These first responders work in unison to address life safety hazards and support each other in community awareness and risk reduction activities. They also provide essential services to business owners through fire and life safety code compliance, similar to how the Police Department engages in community policing.
Focus on Fire Prevention and Education
A key focus of the IOPFD is fire prevention education and safety. Preventing fires and accidents is our ultimate goal, achieved through school programs, an annual “Open House” during Fire Prevention Week, and ongoing smoke detector and home safety educational programs.
Our Firefighter Founders
Jim and Linda Thompson
Patricia Buddemeyer
Joanna and Stewart Brown
Jean Blackwell & Kim Williams
Ted and Anne Kinghorn
Stuart Bascomb
Mike and Claire Powers
Dudley and Glenda Spangler
Brooke and Dimi Matouchev
Paie and Rob Hauff
Kim and Gary Chesson
Dave and Trudi Rohr
Kathryn Magruder
Karen and Charles McCoy
Beth and Murray Small
Sandy and Peggy Stone
IOP Chamber of Commerce
SkyRun Charleston Property Management
Jenn Grabenstetter
Pete and Michele Page
Phillip and Laurie Pounds
Jarrett and Brett Kraeling
Maryanne and Alec Chalmers
Ginn and Brad Maiers
Diane Tausig
Kathy Shook
Myron and Melly Tucker
Stems and Skins
Bernie and Shawn Drackwicz
MacIntyre Brothers
Tony and Whitney Jones
Betsy Reidenbach
Dave and Barb Janssen
Carolina One Real Estate - IOP
Rusty and Deborah Streetman
Michael Herlocker with
Glasscorp, LLC