Dialed & Defend Debuts Philanthropic Initiative Supporting First Responders in Newport Beach
Dialed & Defend officially launched on Sunday, December 14, with a $250,000 commitment in sauna and cold plunge equipment from Dialed Labs to Southern California fire departments. The announcement was made during a charity gathering hosted by co-founder Ali Garawi at his Newport Beach home, marking the public debut of the philanthropic initiative dedicated to improving recovery access for first responders.
Dialed & Defend was co-founded by Ali Garawi and his brother Muha Garawi, who also serve as founders and CEOs of Dialed Labs, a manufacturer of commercial-grade saunas and cold plunges, and Dialed Moods, a health and wellness lifestyle brand. Through Dialed & Defend, the Garawi brothers aim to equip fire stations with clinical-grade recovery tools designed to address the physical, mental, and emotional demands faced by first responders.
The initial equipment commitment represents the first wave of recovery installations to be distributed across California fire stations as part of a broader, long-term national mission Dialed & Defend will oversee distribution and installation in partnership with participating fire departments.
During the program, Garawi spoke about the long-term physical and mental toll of firefighting and the need to provide front-line responders with evidence-based recovery solutions.
Sion Zekaria of the Fountain Valley Fire Department at Station 1, the first station to receive a Dialed & Defend installation, discussed the role of sauna-based recovery within the fire service and its impact on firefighter wellness, resilience, and long-term health.
Dr. Daniel Higuera, PhD, CSCS, ACSM-CPT, Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Santa Ana College and a Dialed & Defend board member, provided an expert overview of the physical and mental strain firefighters face daily. Drawing from his work with more than 20 fire and police departments across Southern California, Dr. Higuera outlined the science-backed benefits of sauna and cold plunge therapy in supporting recovery, readiness, and longevity.
The program concluded with remarks from Dialed & Defend board member Michael “Harry O” Harris, founder of Community First Action. Harris underscored the importance of community resilience during California wildfire seasons and emphasized the need for sustained support for first responders. He also highlighted the potential for Dialed & Defend to expand nationally.
The Newport Beach launch marked a significant milestone for Dialed & Defend, establishing the foundation for an initiative rooted in evidence-based wellness and community support, with a long-term focus on serving those who protect communities across California and beyond.
