January 17, 2020

(LEFT TO RIGHT: Salam Al-Marayati, President, Muslim Public Affairs Council; Aashi Kabani, Member, Ismaili Council for the Western USA; Deputy Police Chief, Valley Bureau - Jorge Rodriguez; Karim Gowani - Member, Ismaili National Council for the USA; Deputy Fire Chief for the Operations Valley Bureau; Suraiya Ali - Member, Ismaili Council for the Western USA; Rahim Karmali - Ismaili Council President for the Western USA)

As the severity of wildfires in California continue to escalate, year after year, first responders from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Fire Department are putting themselves in harms way in order to save lives, working around the clock to put out the blazes and protect families, homes, flora and fauna alike.

On January 15, 2020, we joined the Aga Khan Council for the Western United States and the Ismaili Community for a luncheon commemorating our local first responders for their exemplary service and dedication to protecting life. Over 200 service members were in attendance.

Our faith compels us to “guide the lost, return greetings and support the oppressed”. “We offer our gratitude and our prayers for those who put their lives on the line to protect ours.” - Salam Al-Marayati