An idea was launched to form a Foundation (similar in some ways to the FDNY Foundation and the CPD Memorial Foundation) that could assist Chicago Firefighters, Paramedics and the residents of Chicago. This was done at the urging of Chris Hasbrook with Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Chris and UL are no strangers to the Fire Service, as they have been very active with Firefighter Safety research over the past years. Chris gathered the support of UL and Motorola to start the Chicago Fire Department Foundation (CFD Foundation). UL & Motorola were the founding sponsors of the Foundation in 2016.

Chicago’s business community has come together to support the men and women of the Chicago Fire Department and the heroic work they do each day. It is often taken for granted the sacrifices they make in performing their duty.

The CFD Foundation serves as the 501(c) (3) non-profit organization of the CFD. The funds raised assist the CFD and its members in its mission to prevent and respond to fires, medical emergencies, disasters and terrorist acts, protecting the lives and property of residents and visitors in Chicago. The CFD Foundation provides support for firefighters/paramedics and their families in time of need. The Foundation funds programs to help meet the CFD’s training, research, development, and education needs.

The CFD Foundation supports the critical lifesaving work of the CFD. The Foundation works collaboratively with the CFD and its members to support its most crucial priorities; to reduce firefighter, paramedic, and civilian deaths and injury. The Foundation supports CFD initiatives for education, fire prevention, training and equipment needs that are not funded through city, state or federal budgets. The Foundation assists the firefighters/paramedics and their families in time of need.

The CFD Foundation Board Members are all volunteers and receive no compensation. The CFD Foundation’s resources are utilized to meet the mission of the CFD Foundation.

Family Support

The CFD Foundation provides assistance and support to firefighters/paramedics and their families in times of need.

Public Education

The CFD Foundation provides programs/funding to the CFD to educate, inform and involve the public in protecting life and property in the event of emergency.

Professional Development

The most important part of the CFD is the firefighters and paramedics: the bravest and best of the CFD. The CFD Foundation is committed to helping the CFD train and educate these superb men and women though a professional development curriculum specifically designed to meet the needs of the CFD.

Equipment & Technology

The CFD sets world standards for fire suppression, pre-hospital medical care, emergency response, and large-scale operations mitigation and recovery. The CFD Foundation assists in research and development that increases the safety of all personnel operating on the fireground as well as civilians exposed to the incident.

IT and Equipment Testing

The CFD Foundation provides the CFD the opportunity to collaborate, test, and view the latest technology and equipment advances within the Fire Service on a global platform.