Programs

Firefighters Beyond Borders

Launched in 2013 by Greater Tucson Fire Foundation’s Chairman Mike McKendrick, the Firefighters Beyond Borders program fosters a collaborative effort between firefighters in Arizona and Israel, transcending language and geographical barriers to support each other during disasters. This unique connection aims to reduce the impact of various disasters on communities.

Several delegations of first responders have traveled between Israel and Arizona, sharing knowledge and strategies to improve disaster mitigation.
These delegations consist of responders from all levels of their organizations, with goals centered around education, experience, networking, and cultural enlightenment.
Topics covered in delegation-hosted courses include wildfires, mass casualty incidents, and structure fires.
Participants in this program have developed a broader awareness and expanded professional networks, which have been crucial in times of need.
A notable instance of the program’s impact was on Thanksgiving Day 2016, when over 200 fires were raging across Israel. GTFF Chairman and Retired Tucson Fire Assistant Chief Mike McKendrick facilitated the deployment of the 747 Super Water Fighting Tanker from Marana to assist, highlighting the practical benefits of this international cooperation.

Our Programs

Our Impact

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Cancer Prevention

When firefighters sign up for their careers, they know many of the well published risks the career choice carries. However, few realize the extent of the cancer risk until well after they have started their careers.

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Cardiac Wellness

Heart disease is a leading killer of firefighters. The Greater Tucson Fire Foundation has provided ultrasounds and other cardiac screening for at-risk firefighters.

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Mental Health

A healthy mind is just as important as a physically fit body. Therefore, the foundation has worked to remove the barriers to receiving quality mental health care from culturally informed providers.

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Peer Fitness and Injury Prevention

The Fire Foundation’s Peer Fitness and Injury Prevention Program support the physical health of our Firefighters. The Fire Foundation continues to provide fitness training and education for Firefighters throughout Southern Arizona.

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Firefigheters Beyond Borders

Launched in 2013 by Greater Tucson Fire Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Patty Vallance (of blessed memory), the Firefighters Beyond Borders program connects our Firefighters in Arizona with the Firefighting community in Israel to support one another in times of need.

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HERO Program

Hardship can strike at a moment’s notice, and firefighters are no different. That’s why we created the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) program to lessen the economic impacts of acute medical hardship.

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