Every day, tragic accidents and horrific events occur that call for the selfless heroism of our Armed Forces and First Responders. These intense situations all too often give way to debilitating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and tragically, suicide among our heroes.
That’s why the Veterans & First Responders Foundation exists: To provide therapeutic resources, innovative programming, and healing support for these heroic men and women and their families.
Join Us for the 5th Annual VFR Golf Outing!
Join us for the 5th Annual VFR Foundation Golf Outing, a milestone event that brings together first responders, supporters, businesses, and community members for a day of golf, camaraderie, and purpose — followed by a post-golf dinner to celebrate the day and those who make our mission possible.
All fourseomes are teamed with a 5th Veteran or First Responder
VFR IN THE NEWS
New Euclid police K9 honors officer killed in line of duty
Not long after Derbin’s death, David Knott, founder of the Veterans and First Responders (VFR) organization, requested a meeting with a few leaders in the Euclid Police Department to discuss a way to honor the officer.
Fallen Ohio Officer’s Dream Lives On Through K9 Tribute
Just weeks after an Ohio Police Officer was ambushed and killed in the line of duty, the Veterans and First Responders Foundation honored his dream of becoming a K9 handler by donating a new police dog to the department, continuing a legacy shared with his father.
Veterans & First Responders Foundation Provides life-saving devices to local fire departments; donations sought
Thermal imaging devices, advanced heat-sensing tools that aid firefighters in detecting and navigating through hazardous environments to ultimately help save lives, are prized by fire departments.
ABOUT THE VFR RESILIENT RESPONDER PROGRAM
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HOWLING HEROES
K-9 Guardian Veterinary Grant Program
Introducing Howling Heroes, the remarkable K9 division of the Veterans & First Responders Foundation, dedicated to the welfare of our unsung heroes – retired K9s who have valiantly served our nation. This unique initiative was born out of a deep respect and gratitude for the dedicated canines who have stood shoulder to shoulder with our veterans and first responders.
The Howling Heroes K-9 Guardian Veterinary Grant Program provides financial assistance to retired police, fire, and military K9s who require veterinary care after their years of service.
Approved applicants may receive up to $500 annually toward qualifying veterinary expenses. To be considered, applicants must submit a veterinary invoice totaling $500 or more from a licensed veterinary provider.
Our mission is simple: to ensure that retired service dogs receive the care they deserve while honoring the dedication and sacrifice they made protecting our communities and our nation.
VFR BY THE NUMBERS
$423,000+
Dollars granted through our high school and fire/police academy grant, scholarship programs and responder initiatives.
3,420+
Participants in VFR events including our National VFR Day, Golf and Gala Event and local fundraising.
42
Thermo Imagers donated to police and fire stations which save countless lives.
28
Retired K9s supported through the K-9 Guardian Veterinary Grant Program.