Fire Dept. Coffee + Shirt Clubs Supporting Metro-Dade Firefighters in September

Resiliency is a word that comes up a lot in the world of first responders and firefighters.

The work that firefighters are called upon to do — from risking their health to responding to dangerous emergencies and working long shifts away from family — all takes its toll on even the toughest men and women.

That’s why we’ll always give back to those who go above and beyond to make it easier for first responders to find the support they need in the times they need it most.

Strengthening the First Responders Resiliency Foundation

In September, our Fire Dept. Coffee Club and Fire Dept. Shirt Club are celebrating and supporting Metro-Dade Firefighters. The South Florida-based firefighters are supported by the robust First Responders Resiliency Foundation that provides a variety of services catering to firefighters’ mental health and wellbeing. It’s also dedicated to eliminating the long-held stigma around the simple idea of asking for help.

“Mental health struggles are everywhere,” said Gil Velasquez, chairman of Dade County Association of Firefighters Charities, “We’re dealing with it every day.” 

He went on to list a couple of recent examples of prominent Miami-area first responders and firefighters who either attempted or committed suicide.

The First Responders Resiliency Foundation begins with a 24/7 hotline that is available to both active and retired firefighters, a combined total that exceeds 3,500 people. It’s more than a suicide hotline. Firefighters are encouraged to call and seek help before the situation gets that dire.

Mental health clinicians staff the hotline 24 hours a day, but the first goal is to identify the specific need and then connect the firefighter with the right person. That might be a therapist, but it also might be a chaplain. It might be to arrange for marriage counseling or substance abuse treatments.

This service is dedicated to changing the misconceptions, making it not only acceptable, but actively encourages those to seek help.

Bringing You a One-of-a-Kind Shirt and Coffee…South Florida Style

Of course, if we’re supporting firefighters in South Florida, we’re going to have some fun with it — in South Florida style.

This month’s Fire Dept. Coffee Club roast is dubbed Salty Flamingo and it’s inspired by the beaches and neon nightlife of Miami. Made with high-quality Colombian coffee beans, it’s the perfect brew to enjoy in the shade of a South Florida day.

You’ll enjoy notes of caramel, milk chocolate and cherry with every smooth sip. You’ll feel completely relaxed while drinking it, yet it will give you energy, focus and clarity to tackle whatever the day throws your way.

This month’s Fire Department Coffee Shirt Club shirt is black with the pink and white Metro-Dade Firefighters shield on the chest, the FDC pike pole logo on the sleeve and the Salty Flamingo design on the back, complete with a firefighter’s helmet.

You’ll be looking good and showing off your support for firefighters and their outstanding efforts to promote mental health and resiliency for every man and woman on the job.

Your Support of the Fire Department Clubs Helps Us Give Back

As always, the Fire Department Coffee Club gives back $2 from every order and the Fire Department Shirt Club gives back $5 from every order to the featured department of the month.

If you haven’t tried these clubs yet, now is the perfect time. They are available both as a one-time purchase or as a monthly subscription.

Each month features a new roast and a new T-shirt, and you’ll have a dozen reasons to feel good because you're supporting our community's firefighters.

Not only will you get to enjoy an exceptional new coffee and/or a thoughtfully-designed new shirt design, but you'll also be supporting the incredible work of Metro-Dade Firefighters.

UPDATE: YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Thanks to your support, we were able to donate $10,000 to the First Responders Resiliency Foundation. This donation will help provide resources to Metro-Dade Firefighters for their mental health and wellbeing within their department. We are grateful for your unwavering support and honored to make this meaningful contribution.