Mission Statement
rAs Omaha’s only local foundation focused on all first responders, First Responders Foundation partners directly with the region’s police and fire chiefs to serve and honor first responders and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety.r
Wish List
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- First Responders Foundation seeks financial assistance to continue supporting its many community initiatives.
- PTSD Program for first responder job-related stress and trauma
- Youth Athletic Program for low-income, at-risk children
- Home Safety Program to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at low-income and seniors’ homes
- Initiatives to support animal members of the police force: K-9 Unit Campaign, Alley the Arson Dog Campaign, and Mounted Patrol Campaign
- Tri-County Fire Corps Exploring Program for youths to learn skills necessary for a firefighting career
- Awards of Excellence Program to recognize outstanding high school seniors who are children of first respondersrr
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Upcoming Events
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- rScout DayrOct. 27, 2018
- rStronger TogetherrNov. 10, 2018
- rGuns ’N’ HosesrApril 26, 2019
- rCommunity Safety ExporApril 27, 2019
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Background
rThe First Responders Foundation is rooted in 9/11 remembrance, and was conceived during a discussion between founders Ray Somberg and Jerry Hoberman in 2008 when they reflected on how first responders are often taken for granted until tragedy strikes. They decided to create a nonprofit organization focused on police and firefighter appreciation and support.r
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Brag Lines
rDonations to the First Responders Foundation support key programs and provide additional funds for other initiatives for the police and fire departments. They work directly with police and fire departments to fulfill wish lists and prioritize resources so donations go where they are needed most.rTo date, FRF has donated over $850,000 to Omaha Police, and over $625,000 to Omaha Fire.r
Pay it Forward
rThe Omaha Police Department’s K-9 Unit has a dog that is a bit of an escape artist—the officers have even taken to calling him “Houdini.” In July 2018, FRF purchased and donated a special high-anxiety dog crate for his handler to use at home to keep the police service dog safe. “It is definitely escape proof! Thank you so much for FRF purchasing this and making it happen so quickly,” says K-9 Unit Commander Sgt. Steve Worley.r
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First Responders Foundation
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2800 S. 110th CourtrOmaha, NE 68144r402-218-1234rcontact@firstrespondersomaha.org
The Big Give was published in the September/October 2018 edition of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
