Our Programs
Programs BuiltAround ThoseWho Serve.
Each Foundation initiative is designed to meet a real need for first responders and veterans, delivered with care, coordination, and accountability.
01
Featured initiative
Service Dog Program
In partnership with Big Dog Ranch Rescue, supporting eligible active and retired first responders and military veterans in Palm Beach and Broward counties through carefully evaluated, professionally trained dogs. Free to approved participants.
02
Mobile canteen and nonmedical rehabilitation support
Canteen 33
The Foundation's mobile canteen serving Palm Beach County. When requested by a public safety agency, Canteen 33 provides water, electrolyte beverages, coffee, food, and nonmedical support to crews working extended incidents.
03 Coming Soon
Emergency Financial Assistance & Family Support
First Responders Lifeline Assistance Program
A program under development to provide short-term emergency financial assistance to eligible first responders and their families facing hardship caused by serious illness, injury, or death, on or off duty. Not yet accepting applications or providing assistance.
Canteen 33
Rest, Rehydrate, Return to Work.
Canteen 33 is the Foundation's mobile canteen and nonmedical rehabilitation support program. Serving primarily Palm Beach County, it supports firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other responders during extended incidents, training exercises, and authorized deployments, and may respond elsewhere in Florida during major disasters when requested and authorized.
Water and electrolyte beverages
Drinking water and electrolyte beverages to help crews rehydrate during long operations.
Coffee and refreshments
Coffee and other refreshments for responders working through long shifts and overnight incidents.
Snacks, food, and hot meals
Snacks and food, with hot meals provided when available.
Nonmedical responder support
A place for crews to pause, rest, and recover. Canteen 33 does not provide clinical or medical rehabilitation.
Logistical assistance
Logistical help for requesting agencies during extended incidents.
Where we serve
Primarily Palm Beach County. During major disasters, Canteen 33 may respond elsewhere in Florida when requested and authorized.
Deployment Policy
- Canteen 33 responds only when requested or authorized by an appropriate public safety agency.
- Canteen 33 does not self-deploy.
- All deployments must be coordinated with the requesting agency.
- Deployment authorization currently rests with Foundation President Dwight Saxon.
Emergency deployment requests must follow the Foundation's established agency-contact procedures and should not be submitted through this website.
Volunteer Requirements
Approved volunteers must complete Foundation orientation and required NIMS/ICS training, as established by Foundation policy, including:
Looking ahead: as funding permits, future equipment may include cooling fans, chairs, shade tents, and other rehabilitation resources.
For Agencies
Agency Support Inquiry.
Fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and other public safety organizations can use this form to plan ahead, request information, or discuss support for training events and scheduled operations.
Lifeline Assistance Program
Coming SoonWhen Those Who Serve Need Someone in Their Corner.
First Responders Lifeline Assistance Program · Emergency Financial Assistance & Family Support
When serious illness, unexpected injury, or the loss of a first responder creates financial hardship, families may find themselves facing overwhelming challenges.
First Responders Foundation is developing the Lifeline Assistance Program to provide compassionate, short-term emergency financial assistance to eligible first responders and surviving family members.
Whether the hardship results from an on-duty or off-duty incident, our goal is to help families meet essential needs during difficult times.
Coming Soon — Program Under Development
The Lifeline Assistance Program is not yet accepting applications or providing financial assistance. Additional information will be announced once program policies, funding, and approval procedures are finalized.
Get Notified When the Program Opens
First responders, families, and agencies can join our interest list. We will email you when the program begins accepting applications. Joining the list is not an application and does not reserve or guarantee assistance.
Who the program will initially serve
Active and retired first responders, and their families, who reside in or have a qualifying current or former employment connection to Palm Beach or Broward County, Florida:
- Firefighters
- Law enforcement officers
- EMTs and paramedics
- Public safety dispatchers
Potential assistance may include
- Essential household expenses
- Utilities
- Housing
- Medical-related needs
- Emergency transportation
- Funeral expenses
Any assistance will be subject to documented financial need, available funding, and Foundation approval. Assistance is not guaranteed.
Looking Ahead
Future Programs.
As the Foundation grows, new initiatives will be introduced only once they are fully operational and responsibly resourced.
New programs will be announced here when they launch. Have an idea for how the Foundation can support those who serve? Share it with us.