Who are we?

The mission of CFRST is to provide training, equipment and other needed services to volunteer, combination and small paid fire departments who cannot otherwise afford these services. In addition, CFRST will provide training for First responders experiencing PTSD.
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How can you help?

These departments frequently barely have enough revenue to keep the lights on. Things like training and new equipment to keep them safe are not even an option for these departments. Much of their equipment does not even meet the current standards.

CFRST accepts one-time donations and corporate and group donations.

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Helping Heroes

The mission of CFRST is to provide training, equipment and other needed services to volunteer, combination and small paid fire departments who cannot otherwise afford these services. In addition, CFRST will provide training for First responders experiencing PTSD.

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Puppies

Therapy dogs have proven their effectiveness time and again with people affected by trauma. CFRST is funding training for therapy dogs that will be going to large scale events and individual fire departments to help first responders in dealing with traumatic incidents.

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Pathways

Supports statewide programs to help all California youth discover the opportunities to begin a career in the fire service.

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PPE

30% of Firefighters are volunteers in California. Without these volunteers there are many rural areas in the state that would have little to no fire and EMS services. Small departments throughout the state that have paid firefighters have little to no budget for critical training and equipment. There are federal, state, and private grants to help. These often fall short of meeting specific needs of Volunteer and small Fire departments. CFRST is here to fill in the gaps for departments that don’t qualify for grants and have safety equipment that needs replacement or training needs that go unmet.

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Support First Responders...

Approximately 70% of the nation’s firefighters are volunteers. 

As a society we believe it is our duty to support those who risk their lives to serve their communities with little or no compensation. 

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Read the latest news from our blog:

Ruderman White Paper on Mental Health and Suicide of First Responders

Mar 8, 2023 |

A white paper commissioned by the Foundation has revealed that first responders (policemen and firefighters) are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. In 2017, there were at least 103 firefighter suicides and 140 police officer suicides. In contrast, 93 firefighters and 129 police officers died in the line of duty. Suicide is a result of mental illness, including depression and PTSD, which stems from constant exposure to death and destruction.

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Wildfires Ravage Firefighters’ Long-Term Physical, Mental Health

Mar 8, 2023 |

The Dixie Fire — now the single largest wildfire in California history — continues to spread, having burned through more than 750 square miles of forest land north of Sacramento.

The astonishing spread of smoke from the fire, causing discomfort and illness to people hundreds or thousands of miles, has been breathtaking.

But it’s nothing compared to the mental and physical strains faced by the thousands of firefighters on the front lines of the wildfire, said Mike Ming, staff chief of Cal Fire’s behavioral health and wellness program.

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Support Our Sponsors

CFRST provides a wide range of Annual Sponsorships, Event Sponsorships, and Other Opportunities for Corporations to support first responders in California.

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