Kevin Woyjeck Explorers For Life Assoc. Inc.

10/18/2026

October 16, 2026

WOOHOOO! It finally happened!!! 🚗🎉

After a visit with our friends at the DMV (who, by the way, were awesome!), we were FINALLY able to hand over the keys to a car to a very deserving young woman, Sarah Kirby!

Here’s a little recap of how it all came together.

Our longtime friend Bobby Watanabe and his wife, Denise, heard Sarah’s story and were so moved that they generously donated a car to the Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association.

In keeping with our mission of supporting young men and women as they pursue careers as first responders, we were thrilled to donate the car to Sarah!

But the generosity didn’t stop there!

When several attendees at our recent fundraiser heard Sarah’s story, they were so touched that they took up a collection to cover an entire year of insurance for her little Honda!

A HUGE thank-you to Bobby and Denise Watanabe for their incredible generosity, and to everyone who stepped up to help make this happen.

And to Sarah, we couldn’t be happier for you! Keep working hard, keep chasing those dreams, and remember that you have a whole lot of people cheering you on!

Here is Sarah’s story,

My name is Sarah Kirby. I am in my Senior year of high school and will be graduating in May of
2026. 1 am an Anaheim Fire Explorer.
In 2019, my dad left my mother, myself, and my three siblings on the side of the road and cut off all contact. We were homeless for 2 years before we got into programs that began helping us.
During those 2 years, we did not attend school and we have all worked so hard to not only make up for that missing time, but through it all, my mother had instilled in us the value of education and getting us to where we wanted to go. It took the determination of my whole family to pull ourselves up and out of that situation. Many times throughout our journey, we crossed paths with police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. My younger brother has epilepsy and firefighters and paramedics visited where we were living or staying more than once. They always showed us so much compassion, regardless of the situation we were in and provided my brother the best of care. It is because of these encounters, I decided I want to become a firefighter and paramedic. A large portion of the people firefighters and paramedics assist are in less than favorable situations and/or conditions. I would bring compassion to this role only someone who had walked in their shoes could have.
I have laid out a complete path for my future. It started with participation in the City of Anaheim Fire Explorer program where I live, something I became a part of in April of 2025. In the Summer of 2025, I became dual enrolled as a high school student at Fullerton and Cypress College, where I became CPR certified and took Medical Terminology in preparation for EMT training. I began EMT training in January at 17 years old, only a month before I turned 18 for my ride-alongs and so I could start the training as soon as possible. I would like to complete my EMT training and obtain my certificate by the time I graduate in May. This would allow me to hit the ground running using my certification to gain employment and hours to put toward paramedic school. I plan to attend Santa Ana College and I am already dual enrolled in Fire Technology courses there along with Spanish IV as a high school student. I have been learning Spanish since elementary school and I am fluent. I am planning to build and maintain my proficiency as being bilingual is a valuable skill to have as a first responder. While working and attending college for a Fire Science degree, I would save my income to pay for, attend, and become certified as a paramedic. I will transfer to Cal State LA for Fire Science. After graduating with my four year degree in Fire Science, I will move on to graduate school to obtain my MS degree in Executive Fire Administration.
Throughout my experiences, my mom has taught me to not let my circumstances keep me down and to utilize as much resources I can that are available to me. Despite the fact that I missed a year and a half of school in 2019, I had gotten so many high school credits that I could have graduated early. I only chose not to so I could experience prom and Grad Night. I even qualify for the California Community College Scholastic Honor Society at Santa Ana College for my outstanding academic achievement. In March of 2024, I received a President's Volunteer Service Award for the more than 1,000 hours I volunteered for the National Park Service. In December of 2024, I applied and became a City of Anaheim Tech Scholar recipient. For this, I received a laptop and internet hotspot to assist in my journey. I have also attended girls fire
camps and became the award recipient at Los Angeles Fire Department's Camp S.P.A.R.K.

09/26/2026

At our recent fundraiser we awarded our first ever Distinguished Explorer award to Sarah Kirby.
We also are giving her a car.

Here is the story.

One of our supporters was so moved by her story that he donated his 2001 Honda Accord that he was going to trade in on his new Honda.
We have the car in our hands, next week we will be doing brakes on it and jumping through the hoops to accept the car and to donate the car. We had great support at the fundraiser as our supporters took it upon themselves to donate to cover the insurance for a year. This young lady has incredible drive, we were able to help her by paying for EMT school where she was first in her class.
Here is Sarah’s story,
(Shared with her permission)

“My name is Sarah Kirby. I am in my Senior year of high school and will be graduating in May of
2026. 1 am an Anaheim Fire Explorer.
In 2019, my dad left my mother, myself, and my three siblings on the side of the road and cut off all contact. We were homeless for 2 years before we got into programs that began helping us.
During those 2 years, we did not attend school and we have all worked so hard to not only make up for that missing time, but through it all, my mother had instilled in us the value of education and getting us to where we wanted to go. It took the determination of my whole family to pull ourselves up and out of that situation. Many times throughout our journey, we crossed paths with police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. My younger brother has epilepsy and firefighters and paramedics visited where we were living or staying more than once. They always showed us so much compassion, regardless of the situation we were in and provided my brother the best of care. It is because of these encounters, I decided I want to become a firefighter and paramedic. A large portion of the people firefighters and paramedics assist are in less than favorable situations and/or conditions. I would bring compassion to this role only someone who had walked in their shoes could have.
I have laid out a complete path for my future. It started with participation in the City of Anaheim Fire Explorer program where I live, something I became a part of in April of 2025. In the Summer of 2025, I became dual enrolled as a high school student at Fullerton and Cypress College, where I became CPR certified and took Medical Terminology in preparation for EMT training. I began EMT training in January at 17 years old, only a month before I turned 18 for my ride-alongs and so I could start the training as soon as possible. I would like to complete my EMT training and obtain my certificate by the time I graduate in May. This would allow me to hit the ground running using my certification to gain employment and hours to put toward paramedic school. I plan to attend Santa Ana College and I am already dual enrolled in Fire Technology courses there along with Spanish IV as a high school student. I have been learning Spanish since elementary school and I am fluent. I am planning to build and maintain my proficiency as being bilingual is a valuable skill to have as a first responder. While working and attending college for a Fire Science degree, I would save my income to pay for, attend, and become certified as a paramedic. I will transfer to Cal State LA for Fire Science. After graduating with my four year degree in Fire Science, I will move on to graduate school to obtain my MS degree in Executive Fire Administration.
Throughout my experiences, my mom has taught me to not let my circumstances keep me down and to utilize as much resources I can that are available to me. Despite the fact that I missed a year and a half of school in 2019, I had gotten so many high school credits that I could have graduated early. I only chose not to so I could experience prom and Grad Night. I even qualify for the California Community College Scholastic Honor Society at Santa Ana College for my outstanding academic achievement. In March of 2024, I received a President's Volunteer Service Award for the more than 1,000 hours I volunteered for the National Park Service. In December of 2024, I applied and became a City of Anaheim Tech Scholar recipient. For this, I received a laptop and internet hotspot to assist in my journey. I have also attended girls fire
camps and became the award recipient at Los Angeles Fire Department's Camp S.P.A.R.K.

We couldn’t do what we do without our supporters!
Thank you!!!

09/14/2026

WHAT A DAY!

Yesterday’s Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life fundraiser was incredible! We sold out early with 200 people and couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day on the bay.

The Kevin B**r was outstanding, Ballast Point took wonderful care of us, and the Kelly Boyz Band kept the place rocking!

Thank you to Connie, Anna and Sandy for running the raffle, and to Mike, Mackenzie, Pedro and Jerry for their generous live-auction donations. We’re also grateful to everyone who supported “Boots for Future Boots,” helping us provide quality boots to young Fire Explorers and Cadets.

One of the most meaningful moments was presenting our first-ever Distinguished Fire Explorer Award to Sarah Kirby, an Anaheim/Pasadena Fire Explorer.

Then came an incredible surprise: Sarah and her mother, Amy, will receive a Honda Accord donated by a longtime friend and supporter. When we mentioned helping Sarah with the cost of insurance, people immediately began contributing.

That’s the kind of community that supports this organization. There is so much more to Sarah’s story, and we look forward to sharing it soon.

A special thank-you to Seal Beach Mayor and OCFA Fire Commission member Lisa Landau for connecting us with Orange County First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen, who generously donated $5,000.

The day was also bittersweet. Kevin’s grandmother and Anna’s mother, Maria, recently passed away. She loved these events—especially the raffle, which she somehow always seemed to win. We sure missed her yesterday.

Thank you to our steadfast and loyal Board of Directors. Your commitment to Kevin’s legacy and the young people we serve makes all of this possible.

And thank you to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, bought raffle tickets, bid in the auction, purchased boots or shirts, or simply showed up to support us.

Never forget why we do it.

Be a Hotshot in everything you do.

Kevin is still giving back. 💜

09/11/2026

During a trip to New York City with my cousins, we made several heartfelt visits to FDNY firehouses throughout the city. At each one, we heard stories about the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and the lasting impact that day had on the firefighters, their families, their department and our country.

The Ten House, home to Engine Company 10 and Ladder Company 10, stands directly across from the World Trade Center site. Its firefighters were among the first to respond that morning, and six members of the firehouse never returned. Today, the Ten House remains an active firehouse, but it also stands as a powerful symbol of courage, sacrifice and remembrance.

We visited the 9/11 Memorial, looked toward One World Trade Center and saw memorials inside firehouses across the city honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters who were lost. We also had the privilege of meeting first responders who answered the call that day and are still serving today. Listening to their stories is something I will never forget.

This trip reminded me that behind every name and every uniform is a family whose life was forever changed. As Kevin’s mom, I understand that the passage of time does not lessen the love, the sacrifice or our responsibility to remember.

Twenty-five years ago, our country was stopped in its tracks, and thousands of families were shattered. Yet from that unimaginable loss came extraordinary courage, service and unity.

I honor every life lost, every first responder who answered the call and every family who continues to carry their memory.

“No day shall erase you from the memory of time.”

We will never forget. 🇺🇸

— Anna

09/04/2026

Are you looking for that unique firefighter gift?
These are awsome!

Pens, Plaques and other gifts made from reclaimed and salvaged Fire Department treasures. All made in the USA by retired firefighters.

09/03/2026

Helping Tulsa Tech Rebuild — In Kevin’s Memory

A devastating tornado struck Tulsa Tech, leaving its Fire Technology program completely destroyed. Forty high school Fire Tech students lost all of their training gear and equipment, and damaging the campus so bad that it forced the entire program to relocate to another campus just to continue their education.

As Kevin Woyjeck’s birthday approaches on September 5, we can think of no better way to honor him than by helping young people who share the same dream Kevin had, to become a first responder and serve their communities.

The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association is proud to provide a $10,000 donation to help these 40 students and their program rebuild.
$10,000 is a lot of money but with the magnitude of the damage it is just a drop in the fire bucket.

Kevin would have turned 35 this September 5. In my mind he will always be 21….His legacy continues every time we help another young person take a step forward toward a career as a public servant, and even if for some reason they don’t end up as first responder they can take the lessons learned with them wherever life takes them.

Be a Hotshot in everything you do.

Thank you to all of our supporters!
We couldn’t do it without you all.

08/24/2026

August 23,2026

Only 20 days until the big event. We have about 10 spots left!.
Don’t miss out, it’s a blast at a great location for an incredible cause!!!
Sign up today!

07/28/2026

Anna and I were truly humbled to travel to Honolulu after being invited to attend the dedication and blessing of Kaʻimiʻāina, the new 15-passenger van for the Honolulu Fire Department Explorer Program. The name Kaʻimiʻāina reflects the spirit of seeking knowledge, purpose, and connection to the community values that align perfectly with the mission of the Explorer Program. Thanks to our dedicated donors, The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association was honored to donate $30,000 toward the purchase of this vehicle, helping support the next generation of firefighters.

The trip was made possible through our own personal funds, not Association funds, as we simply wanted to be there to witness this special occasion and celebrate this important milestone with the Honolulu Fire Department Explorer ʻohana.

The blessing ceremony was incredibly moving, with approximately 40 to 50 firefighters, department members, family members, and guests in attendance. The traditions of the Honolulu Fire Department run deep, and it was an honor to experience their culture, pride, and commitment to service firsthand. Watching Kaʻimiʻāina officially welcomed into the Explorer family through a traditional Hawaiian blessing made the day even more meaningful.

A very special thank you to Kela Hansen for the invitation, your warm hospitality, and for the incredible job you are doing with the Honolulu Fire Explorers. Your dedication to mentoring and developing the next generation of firefighters is inspiring, and we are honored that the Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association could play a small part in supporting your outstanding program.

Mahalo to everyone who welcomed us with such warmth and aloha. We returned home with full hearts, grateful for the friendships we made and inspired by the traditions, values, and spirit of the Honolulu Fire Department and its Explorer Program. We know Kaʻimiʻāina will serve countless young men and women for years to come as they prepare to become tomorrow’s firefighters.

Joe & Anna

07/21/2026

Can’t attend our Ballast Point Event?

There’s still a meaningful way to help. ❤️

Support our future by helping equip the next generation of fire explorers and cadets. A $150.00 donation helps cover a pair of boots for a future firefighter, giving a young cadet the gear they need to succeed.

This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and a meaningful way to honor Kevin and the Granite Mountain Hotshots.

🥾 One pair. 🧑‍🚒 One cadet. 🔥 One future.

We are so grateful for the support of our community. Because of you, we have been honored to help so many explorer and cadet programs, and we could not do this work without you.

Donate through the Boots for Future Boots link in our bio.