The Arizona Burn Foundation has named Sedona Fire Division Chief Eric “Buzz” Lechowski its 2025 Volunteer of the Year, honoring his decades of dedication to burn survivors. Each year, ABF celebrates a volunteer who goes above and beyond to support its mission of improving the quality of life for burn survivors and their families in Arizona, while promoting burn prevention advocacy and education.
“Volunteers are the heart of the Arizona Burn Foundation, giving their time and compassion to make our mission possible,” ABF Interim CEO Bridget Doherty said. “Each year, about 100 volunteers take a week off work to serve as camp counselors — and Buzz’s dedication goes far beyond that, touching countless lives.”
Lechowski has been a committed ABF volunteer for more than 20 years, beginning as a camp counselor at Camp Courage in 2002.
Now in its 35th year, Camp Courage is a weeklong camp in Prescott, for burn survivors ages 6 to 19. In recent years, Lechowski has served as a counselor for the camp’s Leaders-in-Training program — a leadership development track for campers ages 16 to 19. Many Leaders-in-Training participants have grown up attending Camp Courage and later return as counselors themselves.
From ABF’s Thrive programs — including camps, social gatherings and retreats — to prevention initiatives like community smoke alarm walks and fundraising events such as Conquering the Canyon: Survive to Thrive Hikes.
Lechowski’s support touches nearly every corner of ABF’s work.
“Buzz is one of those people you feel lucky to work alongside. He shows up every time with kindness, humor, and authenticity,” ABF’s Programs Director Tess Robaina said. “I always know that when he’s there, things will be done thoughtfully, making people feel welcomed and cared for. Buzz’s steady presence, positive attitude, and deep commitment to ABF’s mission make him a treasured part of our community and a very deserving recipient of our Volunteer of the Year Award.”
“Walking alongside someone who has suffered on so many levels and helping guide them from survival to thriving has been the greatest honor of my life,” Lechowski said. “In my experience, burn survivors are the strongest, most resilient people you will ever meet. Honestly, I feel like the student as I watch and learn from their strength and resolve. The work of ABF makes thriving a reality for burn survivors, and I’ll stand with them on their mission for as long as they’ll have me.”
Learn more about ABF’s programs or volunteer opportunities at azburn.org.
Founded in 1967, the Arizona Burn Foundation improves the quality of life for burn survivors and their families while promoting burn prevention advocacy and education. Guided by its mantra, “Prevent. Survive. Thrive.,” ABF offers fire safety curriculum for children and installs free smoke alarms in vulnerable communities through partnerships with fire agencies and local organizations. ABF also provides a continuum of care for survivors and their families, including emotional support and financial assistance for lodging, transportation, meals, medical equipment, garments and more
