PASADENA, Calif. — Los Angeles Firemen's Credit Union has recently established a fund to benefit fallen firefighters affected by the Esperanza Fire.

As a financial institution for the benefit of California firefighters and their families, LAFCU's board of directors and staff, in conjunction with its member fire departments, created the Esperanza Fallen Firefighters Fund to help those affected cope with short- and long-term expenses.

"We're shocked and saddened to learn about the deaths of the firefighters battling the Esperanza Fire in the San Jacinto Mountains," said President/CEO Mike Mastro. "We as a firefighter credit union feel this even more deeply as we know what rigors and risks our active duty members assume on a daily basis. With the establishment of the assistance fund, we can help families heal and overcome this emotional crisis."