In the early morning hours of April 1, 2012 a tragic fire tore through a home in Pacifica. The unsuspecting family was caught off guard by the blaze that left two people fatally injured and several others hospitalized.

The event literally hits home for Redwood City firefighter Abel Virgen, because the victims of this blaze are his own family members. The house belonged to the family and sadly, Abel’s grandfather along with his 12 year old cousin, died in the fire. The 10 remaining family members have been displaced from their home indefinitely. The survivors of this horrific event are now in need of staple items such as food, clothing and shelter. Redwood City Firefighters’ Create-a-Smile Foundation, a local non-profit, has established an account with the San Mateo Credit Union dedicated to helping the family with these items. Ultimately our goal is to do everything possible to help Abel’s family establish some sense of stability, while they cope with the unimaginable loss of their loved ones.

Abel is a passionate, hard-working professional in his trade of firefighting. He commits himself daily to preventing the very same tragedies his family now faces.  Please join with your Redwood City Firefighters to help support Abel and his family in this challenging time.

Donations in the name of the Virgen family can be sent to:

Redwood City Fire Station 9 755 Marshall St. Redwood City, CA 94063

Attention: Create-a-Smile-Foundation

The checks should be made to: “Virgen Family Fire Fund”