California Fire Foundation Honors Fallen Heroes During October Firefighter Appreciation Month
News related to:California Fire Foundation · 3 min read
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 1, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The California Fire Foundation has announced its plans to honor California's firefighters during October Firefighter Appreciation Month, which has been proclaimed by the California State Legislature. This year marks a significant milestone as the Foundation is seeing a 45% increase in post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) related deaths among firefighters it represents, compared to 2025.
On October 3, 2026, the Foundation will host its annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in Sacramento to commemorate the service and sacrifice of 37 fallen California fire service professionals. The memorial currently carries more than 1,500 names and serves as California's permanent tribute to firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The Foundation is currently in Phase 2 of a four-phase expansion of the Memorial, with the goal of providing the space needed to preserve the stories of fallen firefighters for the next 100 years.
The California Fire Foundation, formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting firefighters, their families, and the communities they serve. This year, the Foundation is also focusing on the long-term health risks faced by firefighters, particularly the 45% increase in PTSI-related deaths among its honorees.
The Foundation's efforts extend beyond honoring fallen heroes. In January 2025, when the Los Angeles Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire struck, the California Fire Foundation mounted the largest disaster response in its history within 48 hours. The response delivered over $5 million in disaster relief statewide, with more than $1.8 million in immediate aid provided to nearly 23,000 individuals impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires, including 4,837 children.
The Foundation awarded 124 grants totaling $5.57 million statewide for disaster prevention, preparedness, and recovery. Additionally, more than $4.1 million was distributed through nonprofit partners to assist individuals and families impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. The Foundation also distributed 837 $250 SAVE cards through 126 participating agencies, providing immediate necessities to those affected by fires and other disasters.
In 2025, the Foundation raised nearly $50 million to meet immediate needs and support long-term recovery. This support included aid for firefighters and their families, with $188,000 in total aid provided through the California Firefighters Benevolent Fund.
The Foundation's programs include the SAVE Program, which provides $250 cash cards to eligible survivors of fire and natural disasters for immediate necessities such as food, clothing, gas, medicine, or a place to stay. The California Firefighters Benevolent Fund offers assistance to firefighters and families affected by fire or natural disaster, line-of-duty injury, or death. The Daniel A. Terry Scholarship provides higher-education assistance to children of California firefighters who died in the line of duty, with 12 scholarships totaling $36,000 awarded in 2025.
The California Fire Foundation also supports the California Fire Service Task Force on Behavioral Health's Safety Stand Down, which brings critical conversations about mental health, suicide prevention, and overall well-being directly to firefighters during the month of September, National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
To honor and support California's firefighters, the Foundation invites the public to participate in various ways. Donations to the Foundation help sustain the programs that provide immediate assistance, family support, scholarships, disaster relief, and a lasting memorial to those who gave their lives in service. The Foundation also encourages businesses and individuals to host fundraisers benefiting the California Fire Foundation and to share gratitude on social media using #ThankAFirefighter and #FFAppreciationMonth. Individuals can also share their stories by participating in the California Firefighters Memorial Oral History Project by leaving a voicemail tribute at 916-883-3580.