NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., January 12, 2025 – Dialed Labs, a manufacturer of commercial-grade saunas and cold plunge equipment, announced a $250,000 commitment in recovery technology to Southern California fire departments through the launch of Dialed & Defend, a new philanthropic initiative co-founded by Ali Garawi and his brother Muha Garawi.
The initiative represents a novel deployment model for medical-grade recovery equipment in the public safety sector, addressing what researchers describe as a critical gap in occupational health infrastructure for first responders.
Firefighters face significant physical and mental health risks tied to their occupation. Studies show elevated rates of cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, and burnout within the fire service. Despite these documented health burdens, most fire stations lack access to evidence-based recovery technology that has become standard in professional athletics and corporate wellness programs.
“The physical and mental toll of firefighting compounds over time,” said Ali Garawi during the initiative’s launch event. “We believe first responders deserve access to the same recovery tools that support long-term health and performance in other high-stress professions.”
The initial equipment commitment will be distributed and installed across California fire stations as part of a broader, long-term national mission overseen by Dialed & Defend. Fountain Valley Fire Department’s Station 1 became the first installation site, serving as a pilot program for measuring utilization and health outcomes.
Sion Zekaria, a firefighter at Station 1, discussed the role of sauna-based recovery within the fire service and its impact on firefighter wellness, resilience, and long-term health during the launch event. His firsthand perspective highlighted how recovery technology directly supports the operational readiness of first responders.
Dr. Daniel Higuera, PhD, CSCS, ACSM-CPT, Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Santa Ana College and a Dialed & Defend board member, provided clinical context for the initiative. Drawing from his work with more than 20 fire and police departments across Southern California, Dr. Higuera outlined the science-backed benefits of thermal therapy, including cardiovascular recovery, inflammation reduction, stress management, and sleep quality improvements.
Research supports thermal therapy’s role in occupational health. Regular sauna use has been linked to improved cardiovascular function, reduced markers of systemic inflammation, and enhanced parasympathetic nervous system activity—all critical for recovery from the physical stress of firefighting. Cold water immersion has similarly shown benefits for muscle recovery, pain management, and mental health.
The deployment model positions Dialed & Defend as part of a growing trend of medical technology companies entering the public sector wellness space. While corporate wellness programs and professional sports teams have adopted thermal recovery technology, its integration into fire service infrastructure represents a new application.
Michael “Harry O” Harris, founder of Community First Action and a Dialed & Defend board member, addressed the broader public health implications during the launch event. Harris emphasized the importance of community resilience during California’s increasingly severe wildfire seasons and highlighted the need for sustained support for first responders as essential infrastructure for public safety capacity. He also discussed the potential for Dialed & Defend to expand nationally.
Dialed & Defend plans to expand nationally, though specific timelines and partnership structures have not yet been announced. The initiative’s success will likely be measured through firefighter utilization rates, health outcome tracking, and scalability to additional departments.
Ali and Muha Garawi also serve as founders and CEOs of Dialed Labs and Dialed Moods, a health and wellness lifestyle brand. Through Dialed & Defend, the brothers aim to extend their commercial expertise into the philanthropic space, equipping fire stations with modern recovery tools designed to address the physical, mental, and emotional demands faced by first responders.
The Newport Beach launch marked the public debut of an initiative that seeks to bridge medical technology innovation with public service infrastructure, establishing a foundation for sustained support of those who protect communities across California and beyond.
