In Florida, USA, a coffee company is lending support to firefighters in their own unique way, whether it’s providing free coffee for weary staff or offering financial aid to the injured. The “Fire Department Coffee,” founded by a veteran, has been allocating 10% of its profits since 2016 to assist ill or injured firefighters, turning Americans’ love for coffee into a charitable act.
Luke Schneider, the CEO, a former Navy firefighter who later served as a civilian firefighter in Illinois, recalls the pivotal role coffee played in their business venture. “We drank a lot of coffee at the fire station, the coffee pot was always on. Later, I met my wife who is a barista, and I fell in love with the art of coffee making, so we started roasting our own coffee.”
Their initial plan was to sell coffee at farmers’ markets and host tasting events. However, their “fire department blend” quickly gained popularity, leading to rapid business growth.
Schneider teamed up with Jason Patton, an EMT and firefighter from Florida, who is now the company’s Vice President and the face of their promotional videos. Patton emphasizes the importance of high-quality coffee for American firefighters, especially during crisis situations when a fire station may be packed with numerous personnel for extended shifts. He jokes, “Coffee is the only thing that can prevent us from ‘killing’ each other.”
Nearly a decade later, the Florida Fire Department Coffee Company sells millions of pounds of coffee products annually, both online and in retail stores like Walmart. In addition to the original fire department blend, the company offers various flavored coffees, with their best-selling one being “Black Cherry Bourbon.”
Their marketing strategy revolves around humorous videos often featuring Patton, who passionately proclaims their slogan, “Stay Caffeinated.” With over a million followers on Instagram, Patton’s platform helps promote the products and the foundation’s mission.
“I want to create a fun, comedic space for firefighters and EMTs where they can relieve stress through relatable videos,” says Patton, creator of “Fire Department Chronicles.” The company not only provides financial assistance to firefighters facing injuries or illnesses but also has a specially modified firetruck – a “mobile hospitality vehicle.”
Schneider states that this truck travels nationwide during disasters, offering hot coffee, laundry services, shelter, and even phone charging. This goes beyond their initial mission as they strive to continue aiding others.
This support goes beyond the material realm. Emotional bonds among firefighters are crucial for their mental well-being. Schneider shared the story of a California firefighter paralyzed by a fallen tree while battling a wildfire. The foundation offered him assistance, as he felt disconnected from the camaraderie within the fire department post-injury.
Patton recalls visiting a firefighter paralyzed in a car accident. Despite no personal connection, the shared experience of working in the fire industry made them feel like family and brought a smile to the injured firefighter’s face.
The risks firefighters face go beyond the dangers of firefighting itself. They have a higher risk of cancer due to exposure to carcinogens, disrupted sleep patterns due to long shifts, and increased stress from prolonged separations from family during emergencies.
Schneider and Patton’s firsthand experiences of sacrifices are pivotal in providing robust support through the foundation. While coffee is their product, their ultimate goal is to give back to society.
Schneider emphasizes how their videos effectively convey their mission: “While our videos are often humorous, we also share our mission and why it’s so important to us. Our coffee is different and better because it’s high-quality. But more importantly, we have a mission to support our fellow firefighters.”
(Source: American Essence)