Veteran Fire Chief to Lead National Outreach for First Responder Families

NEW YORK, NY – April 14, 2026 – The First Responders Children's Foundation (FRCF), a national nonprofit supporting the families of public safety personnel, has appointed retired Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) Battalion Chief Chad Sourbeer as its first Chief National Public Safety Liaison. The move signals a strategic effort to deepen the foundation's connection with agencies nationwide, leveraging Sourbeer's 30 years of front-line and leadership experience to expand access to critical support services for families in need.

A Career Forged in Crisis

Chief Sourbeer's three-decade tenure with one of the nation's largest and busiest fire departments provides him with a rare depth of understanding of the first responder world. Beginning his career in 1996, he steadily advanced through the ranks from Paramedic to Fire Captain, ultimately being promoted to Battalion Chief in 2021. His career was not just one of command, but also of innovation and public trust.

As a captain, he led the EMS Paramedic and Training Education Unit, where he was instrumental in developing new training programs designed to sharpen clinical readiness and improve patient outcomes in high-stakes medical emergencies. Later, as a Battalion Chief, he managed the Public Affairs Section, serving as a vital link between the department, media, and government officials, honing skills in communication and relationship-building that will be central to his new role.

His leadership was tested on the front lines of some of California's most devastating wildfires. Sourbeer was a key figure in the response to the 2018 Wolsey Fire, which scorched nearly 97,000 acres, and the catastrophic Eaton and Palisades Fires of 2025. This firsthand experience with large-scale disasters provides him with an intimate perspective on the immense pressures faced by first responders and the ripple effects on their families. His distinguished service was recognized with an Exemplary Service Award for his commitment to improving service delivery.

Bridging the Gap Between Agencies and Aid

Sourbeer's appointment is more than a high-profile hire; it represents a strategic fusion of operational expertise and non-profit outreach. As Chief National Public Safety Liaison, he is tasked with building authentic, lasting partnerships with fire, law enforcement, and EMS agencies across the country. His "insider" credibility is expected to open doors and foster a level of trust that is crucial for connecting families with FRCF's resources.

"We are proud to welcome Chief Chad Sourbeer to our team," said Jillian Crane, President & CEO of First Responders Children's Foundation. "His deep understanding of that community, along with his role as a father, will be instrumental as we continue to expand and strengthen our relationships with fire agencies nationwide. We are grateful that such a respected and accomplished leader has chosen to continue his service by helping us uplift the children and families of first responders nationwide."

This liaison role is designed to bridge the cultural and communication gap that can sometimes exist between non-profit service providers and the communities they aim to serve. By having a leader who has walked in their shoes, FRCF can more effectively tailor its programs—which include scholarships, financial assistance, and mental health services—to the specific, often unspoken, needs of first responder families. Sourbeer first collaborated with the foundation in 2022, successfully introducing its services to LA County Fire families, providing a proven model for the national expansion he will now lead.

A Lifelong Commitment to the First Responder Family

For Chief Sourbeer, this new role is a natural continuation of a lifetime dedicated to service. His connection to the first responder community is not just professional, but deeply personal and multi-generational. He is the father of two sons who are carrying on the family tradition: one serves as a Los Angeles County firefighter paramedic, and the other works as an EMT in the Los Angeles area.

This familial legacy provides him with a unique, 360-degree view of the sacrifices involved. He has seen the challenges not only as a leader and a first responder himself but also as a parent watching his own children enter the demanding field. This personal investment fuels his passion for ensuring the well-being of the families who form the backbone of support for those on the front lines.

"Throughout my career in the fire service, I've seen firsthand the sacrifices first responders and their families make every day," said Chief Chad Sourbeer. "Having witnessed the unwavering commitment of First Responders Children's Foundation to alleviate the burdens faced by first responder families, I'm honored to join them to continue to build relationships with first responder agencies across the U.S. and ensure more families have the support they need to thrive."

His background is uniquely suited for this mission, blending operational grit with creative communication. Beyond his numerous fire service certifications, Sourbeer holds an MFA in Motion Picture Production from the University of Southern California and served as a creative producer on the NBC series "LA: Fire + Rescue," giving him a powerful platform for storytelling and advocacy.

Addressing Critical Needs for a Resilient Community

Sourbeer's leadership comes at a time when the needs of first responder families are more acute than ever. Research consistently shows that the chronic stress and potential for trauma inherent in public safety careers can "spill over" into home life, contributing to secondary trauma in spouses and children, emotional distance, and strained relationships. The stigma surrounding mental health in this culture often prevents families from seeking the help they need.

FRCF, which was founded 25 years ago in the aftermath of 9/11, directly confronts these challenges. The organization, which holds top ratings from watchdogs like Charity Navigator and GuideStar for its financial health and transparency, focuses on five key pillars: scholarships, financial assistance grants, disaster relief, community engagement, and a robust Mental Health Resiliency Program offering free, confidential counseling.

In 2025 alone, the foundation awarded over $900,000 in scholarships to 300 students, easing the financial burden of higher education. Its mental health programs are specifically designed to be culturally competent, addressing the unique anxieties and pressures faced by children of first responders. With Sourbeer now leading national outreach, the goal is to make these vital resources more visible and accessible to thousands more families, ensuring that no one feels they have to navigate these challenges alone. His work will be crucial in scaling these proven support systems to meet the growing demand across the country.