Programs We Offer

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The HCFR Foundation proudly supports the Summer Youth Academy, a two-week program hosted by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue for local youth ages 14–17.  Using firefighting skills as a foundation, participants engage in a dynamic blend of classroom learning and hands-on, interactive activities.

This program is designed to inspire and empower young minds by building character, fostering leadership, and exploring potential career paths in public service. The Summer Youth Academy is more than a program—it’s an opportunity to shape the leaders and heroes of tomorrow.

The HCFR Foundation, in conjunction with the American Red Cross is proud to support Project S.A.F.E. (Smoke Alarms for Everyone), a life-saving initiative to prevent home fire fatalities. Tragically, close to 4,000 people die in home fires each year, with 70% of these deaths occurring in homes without working smoke alarms. Most fatal home fires happen at night while people are asleep. Contrary to popular belief, the smell of smoke won’t wake you up—instead, toxic gases and smoke can dull your senses and put you into an even deeper sleep. Smoke alarms are critical for providing an early warning,

sounding the alarm, and giving you the precious time needed to escape safely. These devices cut the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly half.

To address this urgent need, the HCFR Foundation, in partnership with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, works to purchase and install smoke alarms for residents who cannot afford them—at no cost. We aim to ensure every home has the protection needed to save lives. Together, we can reduce fire fatalities. Smoke alarms save lives—let’s make sure every family is protected.

The HCFR Foundation is proud to partner with the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Peer Support Team to provide critical, potentially life-saving care for our firefighters. The mental and emotional toll of serving our community can be immense, and we are committed to ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to protecting others have the resources they need to protect their

well-being. Together, we are working to offer firefighters a safe means to seek support, access mental health resources, and build resilience. Whether it’s through one-on-one support, crisis intervention, or training to strengthen coping strategies, this partnership is a vital step in prioritizing the health and safety of our HCFR family. Our mission is clear: to care for those who care for us. With the HCFR Foundation and Peer Support Team working together, we’re creating a stronger, healthier department—because firefighters deserve nothing less.

The HCFR Foundation is proud to support the annual Burn Camp hosted by the Children’s Burn Foundation of Florida. This incredible camp is a sanctuary for children who have experienced burn injuries, offering them a safe space to heal, connect, and grow. At Burn Camp, children discover they are not alone in living with the scars—both seen and unseen—of their past tragedies. It’s a place where they can share their feelings, bond with others who have faced similar experiences, and build a sense of belonging. Most importantly,

it’s a time for them to forget their differences, embrace their strength, and know they are truly “someone special.” This life-changing camp fosters resilience, self-esteem, and lifelong friendships, helping these remarkable children realize that their scars tell a story of survival and courage.

The HCFR Foundation, in partnership with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, is proud to offer comprehensive public education programs for all ages. We teach essential fire and life safety skills through engaging demonstrations and hands-on training to empower our community and promote a safer tomorrow.

The HCFR Foundation, in partnership with the American Heart Association and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, is dedicated to equipping our community with life-saving skills. Through our training programs, schools, organizations, and individuals can learn the critical techniques needed to keep both loved ones and strangers alive until medical professionals arrive.

The HCFR Foundation is proud to lead the effort in creating a memorial at the Public Safety Operations Complex (PSOC) Headquarters to honor the brave men and women of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to the selflessness, courage, and dedication of our fallen heroes. It will serve as a place of reflection for their families, colleagues, and the community—a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made to keep us safe. By building this memorial, we reaffirm our commitment to never forget those who have given

everything in service to our community.