Honoring Fallen Firefighter Damien Pereira

These have been difficult weeks in the Fire Dept. Coffee family.

We’ve joined countless others in mourning the loss of Damien Pereira, a firefighter and a dear friend.

In fact, Damien’s impact on Fire Dept. Coffee cannot be measured. His story helped shape our mission.

Firefighter Damien's Story

Damien was a CAL FIRE firefighter responding to a call on a remote California mountain in 2015 when a 48-foot oak tree snapped off and fell on him. His fellow firefighters acted quickly to save his life, but he survived with severe injuries, including spinal cord trauma.

He faced a long road to attempt to walk again, let alone return to some semblance of a normal life. His recovery never ended. We lost Damien on July 23, after more than eight years of battling with the lasting effects of that day on the mountain.

“Damien was the inspiration for the Fire Department Coffee Charitable Foundation and why our focus on giving back is sick and injured firefighters,” FDC Founder Luke Schneider said. “He was my friend my brother and his memory will live on through our foundation.”

In the fire service, we have such a close bond. We’re brothers and sisters. We’re family. And we look out for each other, always. Yet when the ability to do the job you love is taken from you, it’s life-changing in many ways.

Honoring a Fallen Firefighter

Damien appreciated the support of his fellow firefighters and, of course, the love of his family. And still we’re left to say goodbye too soon.

We will continue to remember and honor Damien through our Foundation and our support for sick or injured first responders. We’re heartbroken, but we will keep going for Damien.