February 04, 2025 11 Comments
The scenes on the screen were a nightmare come to life.
We saw them like everyone else — devastating wildfires ravaging California, homes, businesses, and landscapes disappearing into the flames. We saw the images of firefighters gearing up and battling the massive blazes under grueling conditions.
From 2,000 miles away, it’s a helpless feeling. Yet we know we are not helpless. We wanted to support the effort in whatever small way we could.
Giving back to firefighters is at the heart of our mission at Fire Department Coffee. This was an opportunity to step up for those giving everything they had to protect others.
What began with a pallet of coffee loaded up and shipped west evolved into something bigger, deploying our fully loaded Rosenbauer fire truck with coffee, supplies, and a whole lot of gratitude.
What we witnessed during our journey only strengthened our admiration for these firefighters, who showed extraordinary resilience and determination in the face of unimaginable challenges.
“Seeing all the news coverage, our hearts and prayers were out to all the communities impacted in California,” FDC’s Founder and CEO Luke Schneider said. “We wanted to do something, but we knew it’s quite a journey to travel with our Rosenbauer disaster relief firetruck.”
The first step was finding a more immediate way to help. We reached out to a contact at the Los Angeles County Fire Department and asked if a shipment of coffee would be well received.
The response came back overwhelmingly affirmative.
“You ship it. We’ll distribute it.”
So we did.
A full pallet of our Skull-Crushing Instant Espresso. It was the perfect choice because the coffee comes in single-serve packets. It’s easy to make. Just mix it in with 8 ounces of coffee or milk, hot or cold. So firefighters could mix it up and enjoy it at base camp or on the go.
More than 8,000 pouches arrived in California and were quickly handed over to firefighters in the field.
Back in Rockford, we kept watching the news. The fires kept burning, spreading, and doing extraordinary damage. We realized the blazes would not be controlled soon.
“We were compelled to do more,” FDC’s Director of Brand Relations Randy James said. “We wanted to have an impact for the men and women out there fighting these fires, and we wanted to support the communities affected where we could.”
So the team loaded up our Rosenbauer firetruck with coffee and supplies, enlisted a driver, and began the journey. In all, four members of FDC made the trip, including Schneider and James.
They knew the firefighters on the ground needed more than coffee. These first responders needed tangible support and a reminder that people nationwide stood behind them.
The fires they encountered were fueled by California’s unique challenges: relentless Santa Ana winds, severe drought conditions, and dry vegetation that acted as kindling.
One firefighter described it best: “When the winds are blowing at 90 mph, the fire moves just as fast.”
Despite these obstacles, the firefighters our team met approached their work with selfless commitment, complete dedication, and an extraordinary sense of calm.
The FDC team made stops at operational bases at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena and Zuma Beach in Malibu. They brewed coffee, handed out socks and beanies for the cold nights, and provided more coffee and supplies for long days spent in the field.
They visited ground crews in Altadena, attended a community informational meeting to support displaced residents, and met teams at the Camarillo Helibase and Los Angeles County Fire Department Camps 2, 8, and Station 19.
Everywhere the FDC team went, they saw the same thing: firefighters exhausted but unbroken — sleeping in tents, working around the clock, and facing fires that consumed thousands of acres.
They never complained. Not once. Instead, they accepted the challenges head-on with quiet resolve.
“My son was with us as we visited different locations, and we could see it on the firefighters’ faces,” Schneider said. “They were exhausted. They had seen things they wished they hadn’t. Many of them said, ‘I haven’t had a good cup of coffee in a week.’
It’s a small thing, brewing a cup of coffee. But their smiles said it all.
For all of us at Fire Department Coffee, this journey wasn’t just about delivering supplies — it was about standing alongside the men and women who serve our communities in their greatest moments of need. The firefighters’ resilience inspired us. Their commitment reminded us why our company exists. And their gratitude reinforced the importance of showing up for each other.
James said the hardest part of the trip — as with any relief trip he’s been on with the Rosenbauer firetruck — is knowing when to leave. The reality is there is never a good time to pack up and head back. But it’s comforting to know that FDC is one of many organizations supporting these firefighters. So when our team left, they did so knowing the firefighters were still well supported.
The trip left its mark on our team. What they saw made us so proud to be part of this community of firefighters and first responders.
“The gravity of the task was immense — thousands of firefighters, hundreds of pieces of apparatus, and no complaints,” James said. “These men and women accepted the challenge with servant hearts.”
February 05, 2025
I drive by FDC a couple times a week on my way to the Boylan Tennis Center. I’ve noticed the Rosenbauer missing from the parking lot. Now I know the rest of the story. You guys are AWESOME!!!
———
Fire Department Coffee replied:
We’ll love to see you stoping by! Now you know where the truck was. Thank you for your support, take care!
February 05, 2025
Awesome work supporting the brotherhood (and sisterhood) and the communities abroad. Keep up the outstanding effort. “Whatever It Takes!”
———
Fire Department Coffee replied:
That mission is at the heart of everything we do. We truly appreciate the support! Take care!
February 05, 2025
God bless your team for the support you continually provide to our firefighters.
———
Fire Department Coffee replied:
We genuinely appreciate your support of our mission; it allows us to continue encouraging our fellow firefighters!
February 05, 2025
What an awesome story about an awesome group of brothers and sisters. We here in RI are very blessed to have the Special Signal Group aka the Providence Canteen respond to our structure fires and prolong incidents. Often I remember the smile on my face when I’ve seen them arrive on a cold winter’s night or a hot summer day with refreshments to keep us hydrated, or fed, or even a quick trip to the bathroom that they have on their trucks is truly appreciated. Thank you for what you do!
———
Fire Department Coffee replied:
That’s an incredible shoutout to a wonderful group! The Providence Canteen and all canteen services out there are absolute lifesavers, literally fueling the firefighters who fuel the fight. Nothing hits like a hot coffee on a freezing night or a cold drink after battling flames in the summer. Huge respect to them, and huge respect to you for recognizing their impact. Thank you for your support!
February 05, 2025
Amazing company. Proud to purchase coffee from such a company
———
Fire Department Coffee replied:
That means the world to us! Your support helps us roast great coffee and give back to those who serve. Thank you so much!
February 05, 2025
As a California resident I want to say thank you. Your ongoing service to the public is greatly appreciated. I hope for health and happiness for your entire staff.
———
Fire Department Coffee replied:
That means a lot! We’re honored to serve, both with coffee and our mission to give back. Wishing you health and happiness, as well! Stay safe out there!
February 05, 2025
Having had a Godfather/Uncle who was a Firefighter in the City of New York, I am glad that there’s Organization’s Like FDC coffee supporting those who respond to Disasters.
PS, Your Coffee is also Very Good.
———
Fire Department Coffee replied:
That’s incredible, NYC firefighters are legends! We’re proud to support those who put it all on the line, just like your Godfather did. And we’re even happier to hear you’re enjoying our coffee! Thanks for your support!
February 05, 2025
I sure hope those people are going to be okay after that wildfire in Los angeles
———
Fire Department Coffee replied:
We’re hoping and praying for everyone affected, too. Wildfires are brutal, but the firefighters and first responders are absolute heroes. Wishing for a fast recovery for the community!
February 05, 2025
FDC- you were amazing and so appreciated when you came to Greenfield, IA after the tornado. As an EMT (retired after 42 years) your wonderful attitudes and awesome coffee made my day so much brighter. Great coffee, great people and an organization I am happy to support. Thank you all for your continued service to those who are facing some challenging times.
———
Fire Department Coffee replied:
Wow, 42 years as an EMT? That’s legendary! It was an honor to be in Greenfield and support the incredible first responders and community. We bring the coffee; you’re the real hero. Thanks for your kind words and your years of service!
Comments will be approved before showing up.
FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY, GET SPECIAL OFFERS AND PROMOTIONS
GEAR
© 2025 Fire Department Coffee, Inc.
Sharon Seabolt
February 06, 2025
I started buying FireHouse Coffee when my Grandson-in-law asked for it for Christmas two years ago. He was a church associate pastor, Dad and husband and was working on a Masters Degree. The coffee gave him the boost he needed to complete all his multi-tasks every day. But I did not know what a caring group of people all of you were!! Thank you for your support and caring for people who have lost so much; you have renewed my faith in the goodness of businesses who really care about others!! And that Grandson-in-law continues to enjoy his coffee as he studies and works – he’s going to finish the Masters this semester and is going to go for the Doctorate!
———
Fire Department Coffee replied:
That’s such a fantastic story, thank you for sharing! We’re grateful to play even a small part in your grandson-in-law’s journey, and we’re cheering him on as he takes the next big step. Supporting those who serve and work hard every day is why we do what we do. We truly appreciate your kind words and continued support!