Houston firefighters, in need of equipment and technology the cash-strapped city's budget can't afford, are following the example of the Houston Police Department and taking the matter to the citizens they protect. On July 24, the Houston Fire Department announced it had established the Fire Fighters Foundation of Houston to serve as nonprofit agency to facilitate firefighter fund raising efforts directed at city residents.

The Houston Police Foundation was established in 2005 and raised $1.1 million for the department in its first year. The Fire Fighters Foundation hopes to raise half that amount this year.

“It is our responsibility to ensure [our firefighters] have all the tools they need to protect the lives and property of Houstonians and to protect themselves as they perform their duty," said Houston Mayor Bill White. "There is a role for citizens to step up and provide funding out of their own pocket.”