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Santa Barbara County Fire Chiefs Honor Direct Relief for Longstanding Support of Emergency Response and Firefighter Mental Health

The partnership between Direct Relief and Santa Barbara County fire agencies spans major incidents—from the 1964 Coyote Canyon Fire to the Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow—and continues today.

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Santa Barbara County Fire Chiefs Association visited Direct Relief on February 19, 2026, and presented the organization with an award for mental health support. (Direct Relief photo)
By Tony Morain

The Santa Barbara County Fire Chiefs Association today recognized Direct Relief for a longstanding partnership supporting local emergency response operations and firefighter wellness, presenting the organization with a ceremonial fire service bell during a gathering at Direct Relief’s headquarters.

“We are deeply grateful for this honor, and for the partnership behind it,” said Amy Weaver, Direct Relief CEO. “This award is especially meaningful because it comes from people who know what it means to show up: whenever the call comes, whatever the conditions.”

The partnership between Direct Relief and Santa Barbara County fire agencies spans major incidents—from the 1964 Coyote Canyon Fire to the Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow—and continues today.

“Direct Relief has stood alongside local first responders during major emergencies and continues to strengthen response capability across Santa Barbara County,” said Montecito Fire Chief David Neels, citing Direct Relief’s donations of off-road vehicles for remote-terrain operations and funding for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s Firehawk helicopter.

Neels and other fire leaders also highlighted Direct Relief’s funding for culturally competent mental health counseling for firefighters — a resource chiefs say is increasingly vital. The program is fully anonymous; participating agencies receive only aggregate information such as total hours used and broad categories of need—without identifying details.

“As a fire chief, I track response times down to the second,” said Santa Barbara City Fire Chief Chris Mailes. “What stands out here is increased utilization. That’s not negative; that is trust. That’s understanding of a resource that’s there for them, that they can confidentially go get some help.”

The bell will remain at Direct Relief’s headquarters as a visible symbol of partnership and shared commitment.

“Direct Relief’s mission is to help people around the world,” said Harry McMahon, chair of Direct Relief’s Board of Directors. “But the lessons learned here at home have shaped Direct Relief’s work everywhere. Thank you for this recognition. Direct Relief remains committed to supporting Santa Barbara’s first responders.”

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