Project Fire Buddies
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About Fire Buddies

Our Story

In December 2016, a young child who was battling cancer fell ill with a high fever. A group of Oak Forest Firefighters answered the 911 call, transporting the child to the hospital for life saving treatment. 

The experience touched our hearts. We wanted to do more to help kids struggling with cancer and other diseases. So, we reached out to some of the other firefighters at the Oak Forest Fire Department and created Project Fire Buddies. 

Project Fire Buddies brings joy to kids struggling with serious illnesses. In our first year, we ran a Christmas toy drive, collecting presents from generous community members and purchasing some themselves, then delivering the gifts to the children’s homes. The first responders went big, showing up in shiny fire trucks, police cruisers, and ambulances with sirens blasting and lights shining. No matter what the kids were going through at the time—chemo therapy, radiation, or side effects from their medication and treatments—these visits brightened their day. The smiles were contagious.

"Our goal at Christmas time is to spoil these kids. And to see strangers come out to help, it brings tears to your eyes.” 
Since then, Project Fire Buddies has kept expanding, sponsoring multiple children throughout the year. This year, we’re looking to sponsor many more children who could use some good cheer. Our volunteers visit with their fire buddies at home, play games, read books, bring gifts for special occasions, and show the kids just how special they are. 

Project Fire Buddies started with the Oak Forest Fire Department, but our ranks keep expanding with new departments set to join in the mission this upcoming year. Visit our Departments page to see if a fire or police department near you is part of the Project Fire Buddies family.

Meet our Executive Board 

Chief Executive Officer
Kurt Degroot

Secretary
Nick Smith
Chief Operating Officer
Ryan Ballard

Department Outreach
Gary Kasper

Operations
Dan Matys

Project Fire Buddies, Inc. is a 501(c)(3)  non-profit organization

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    • Oak Forest FD
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  • About
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