YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK
"The medical bill paid was a great relief for us at this moment. Thank you for helping me out."
Thomas, a retired firefighter from Chicago, was rushed to the hospital for emergency medical treatment. The procedure that his doctor ordered wasn't covered by his insurance.
Our donors helped pay for Thomas' medical bills so that he could focus on recovering at home with family.
"Your Foundation represents the true family within the fire service. Many thanks"
Alan, a firefighter, has a young son named Tyler who has been battling a brain tumor for 4 years. Tyler flies to a children's hospital for treatment every few months. The payments not covered by insurance quickly added up.
Our donors helped pay for some of Tyler's cancer treatment and eased the stress on this fire family.
"As a retired firefighter with PTSD, the last few years have been difficult. Your help is something huge to take stress off of us."
Ricky, a former firefighter who suffers from PTSD, wasn't able to work while receiving treatment. He needed help with his bills.
Our donors helped pay for Ricky's car payments for several months to ensure Ricky could get to his therapy appointments.
Our work helping firefighters relies on supporters like you. Thank you.
YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK: SCHOLARSHIPS
Jacob, 2020 Scholarship Recipient
This scholarship will help me out tremendously both while I'm studying music and studying fire science. Your assistance will be put to good use when I return to work as a firefighter and help people by doing what I love.
Third-generation volunteer firefighter. College freshman. Drummer, saxophonist, guitarist, and pianist. Scholarship recipient Jacob is all these things and more.
In 2020, the Fire Family Foundation helped Jacob and nine other children of firefighters pay for college and pursue their dreams.
- Total amount awarded: $50,000 (each recipient received $5,000)
- Average GPA: 4.2
- Recipients' home states: Arizona, California, Kansas, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin
- Recipients' schools: Arizona State University; Belmont University; Boston College; Harvard University; Kent State University; San Diego State University; University of California, San Diego; University of Wisconsin-Madison
YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK: PANDEMIC AID
New Mexico Fire Protection Grant Council Members with Boxes of Donated Infrared Thermometers
The New Mexico Fire Marshal’s Council oversaw distribution to every fire station throughout the state. These thermometers provide rapid results without body contact, allowing firefighters and paramedics to quickly—and safely—assess their potential risk for COVID-19 exposure while delivering assistance during emergencies.
“Our firefighters were experiencing high call volumes that placed members at increased risk of exposure to the virus,” said Robert E. Larrañaga, Chairperson of the New Mexico Fire Protection Grant Council. “We express sincere gratitude to the Fire Family Foundation for their efforts in protecting our firefighters.”
“Our Board of Directors unanimously approved this donation at the end of April,” stated Fire Family Foundation Executive Director, Elizabeth Dever. “It’s gratifying to see the culmination of our efforts. With New Mexico firefighters able to work more safely during this pandemic, we can all breathe a small sigh of relief.”
In Summer 2020, the Fire Family Foundation donated 500 infrared thermometers to firefighters in New Mexico in partnership with the New Mexico Fire Protection Grant Council.
YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK: DISASTER RELIEF
Fire Family Foundation Disaster Relief Kit
In August 2020, in response to the devastating wildfires in Northern California, the Fire Family Foundation sent disaster relief kits to firefighters on the front lines.
The Foundation established its disaster relief program in 2019. The program provides emergency essentials to active and retired firefighters who have lost their homes as a result of a US federally declared disaster. The kits sent to the Sonoma area included:
- $250 Visa gift card for emergency purchases
- Hand sanitizer
- Blanket
- Emergency sleeping bag
- Notebook and pen set
- Reusable toiletry bag with body wash, bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, a toothbrush, a razor, shaving cream, and a comb
YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK: FIRE CHARITY AID
By sponsoring our website, you've allowed us to connect firefighters to culturally competent clinicians and train psychologists to understand the unique needs of firefighters and their families. We cannot thank you enough.
Dr. Kristen Wheldon,
President, Fire Service Psychology Association
In February 2020, the Foundation granted the Fire Service Psychology Association the funds they needed to rebuild their website.
The FSPA trains psychologists to understand the specific needs of firefighters. Once psychologists know about the unique stresses firefighter families face, they can provide better treatment. The FSPA's new website will allow them to host online training and better serve their member psychologists.