We founded Friends of Springfield Fire in 2022 with our sights set on fostering a community that is continually and wholeheartedly responsive to celebrating and supporting the needs of Springfield Firefighters and their families. We had an inside view to some of the struggles firefighters face, both on shift and at home, because some calls linger far beyond when they actually end. We all know that
first responders are always there for us when we need them, but we wanted to create something bigger than anything we could do alone. We wanted them, and their families to know we would be there for them when they needed us. We currently provide three general avenues of support:
RECOGNITION
We help fund the SFD Annual Awards Ceremony where firefighters are recognized for their heroic efforts from the previous year, and spouses gather for camaraderie. HEALTH
We are funding the Multi Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening for Springfield Firefighters. Until now, cancer was not something Springfield Firefighters were proactively screened for. Considering that 66% of line of duty deaths are a result of cancer, we knew this was a call to action. We are in the process of raising funds to cover these screenings for the men and women of Springfield Fire. We also assist in raising funds and awareness for mental health. Studies show that public safety personnel are 5 times more likely to experience PTSD. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We lovingly refer to this as our ‘random acts of kindness’. From delivering meals to the hospital for all the SFD family in the waiting room, to delivering a prepared Thanksgiving dinner to all 13 stations – acknowledgment is how we show our love and support for all that these men and women do every single day. We would love for you to be involved in a capacity that is meaningful for you, or your organization.
