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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

IOPFD.webp
IOPFD Chief Craig Oliverius.webp
"The Isle of Palms Fire & Rescue is privileged to serve a community that's both vibrant and supportive. The LENS Foundation Isle of Palms, through the Firefighter Founders program, has become a pivotal element in enhancing the lives of our firefighters. This program is proactive, adaptable, and effective, not only in supporting our safety personnel but also in advancing our community outreach initiatives. It addresses crucial needs, providing essential support where it's most needed—ranging from mental health initiatives through MUSC to scholarship opportunities and hardship support. The collaboration between our department and the LENS Foundation has been incredibly beneficial, profoundly impacting our firefighters and their families."

-IOPFD Chief Craig Oliverius
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