History & Learning Center Project

How You Can Help Us Build The El Cajon Fire History & Learning Center!

Fire Museum Project Director Ed Jarrell, Fire Chief, 2002 - 2005.

This planned history and safety oriented facility will help enhance our mission to provide programs toward the "safety and future of children and overall community. This is the vision of our Fire Chief Ed Jarrell, Safety Educator Monica Zech and the firefighters of the El Cajon Firefighter's Association, as they continue their efforts to build the El Cajon Fire History and Learning Center in the El Cajon.

Once this project is completed it will provide an active fire museum and firefighter's memorial. There will be fire fighting equipment and photographs on display to help educate and encourage our young people to consider a possible job career in the fire service and other emergency service areas.

Future plans will also include daily tours designed to be "hands on" fun for kids, and include enhanced educational programs. Once built a variety of injury prevention talks will be scheduled such as; fire safety, disaster preparedness, traffic safety and fire history classes with career preparation seminars. These plans also include facilities for community meetings and special events. Just a few of the many planned uses for this facility.

The original firehouse will be the focal point of the Fire History and Learning Center. The restoration of the old firehouse will include a museum with a classroom, firefighters' memorial and gift shop.

The El Cajon Fire Association will use City land for the fire museum and learning center, to be located in the cultural area of downtown El Cajon along East Main at the Prescott Promenade. Major redevelopment of the downtown "Culture Zone" is now underway and we believe our project will be a major drawing point for families visiting the "new" downtown.

But, we can't do this alone. To provide this city with such an exciting program and facility does require community funding and support. So annual memberships, fund- raisers, community donations, corporate sponsorships and grants are the intended funding sources to achieve our vision.

*Thank you to the individuals and groups that have contributed already toward the planned Learning Center project! Most recently Glen of Motoworld for their check of $7,500!

If you'd like to donate funds, or become a sponsor to help us build our Learning Center please call the Public Education Department at (619) 441-1615.

How you, your school or group can help build our Learning Center! You can purchase or raise money to buy a special museum brick! That brick can have your name, school name and classroom number on it, or a group or club name - and that purchase will go toward the building of our planned "El Cajon Fire History and Learning Center.

Joining the effort!
*El Cajon Middle School was the first school to raise $1000 toward our project, followed by Bostonia Elementary school who raised $1,500.

*Thank you to the Kiwanis Groups of East County for having a fund-raising breakfast on March 8th that raised over $3, 000 toward our Learning Center!

Bricks start in price from $100 up - depending on the size of brick, how many words and if you're adding a logo. You can also purchase a brick in memory of loved ones. So anyone can purchase a brick that will be a part of the Learning Center for El Cajon and those who visit our city!

Thank you for supporting our firefighters!

Monica Zech, Public Information Officer, El Cajon Fire