Putting Firefighters1st since 2005

Firefighters1st started from humble beginnings. In 2004, CEO Chad Sartison was growing weary of dedicating all of his spare weekends to futile fundraising efforts. He knew there had to be a better way! 

Chad researched the idea of producing and selling a professional fire calendar for his own department. The numbers made sense, goals could be met, and he wouldn't have to spend every weekend at bingo's and bbq's. So, 2004 marked the first year that Firefighters1st (The Fire Within) produced a professional fire calendar. And guess what? It was a huge success! 

So huge, in fact, that the idea quickly spread to surrounding departments. Due to the success and quality of the first calendars produced, departments throughout Western Canada approached Chad to design and develop calendars for their department also. Chad quickly realized the potential of the calendar project.

Since 2004 the organization has developed programs resulting in over $3 million in support of the volunteer fire service. In addition, it has awarded over $500,000 to fellow volunteers in equipment and training. As the programs evolved so did the impact!  Not only was this a fantastic fundraising medium, but it could be used to overcome other issues that the volunteer fire service was suffering from also!

Having been a volunteer firefighters for several years, Chad understood the pressing issues of the fire service: 

• Lack of awareness has caused a caring and appreciative public to grow apathetic and indifferent toward the volunteer firefighters that help keep them safe.

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• Many volunteer fire departments are underfunded and ill equipped to protect their community safely.

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• Modern pressures and a fledgeling sense of community are making it difficult for volunteer departments to attract and retain volunteers.

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• Recent legislation and a marked increase in litigation has caused many volunteer firefighters to question the inadvertent risk they are exposing their families to.

Simply put Chad feels that every issue facing a volunteer fire department could be solved through effective communication between a fire department and the community it serves!