February’s Fire Dept. Coffee + Shirt Clubs: Supporting Denver Fire Department's Resiliency Program

Every day that a firefighter arrives for work could be the day that changes their life forever.

In the fire service, stress is a daily consideration. It’s the nature of any job on the crew because every job demands focus, vigilance, and attention to detail. Stress can do enough damage.

On the next level is something more severe — trauma. The most serious calls are life-or-death scenarios. Even when the outcome is a best-case scenario, those calls leave their mark and can linger in a firefighter’s psyche for a long time to come.

That’s why forward-thinking departments like the Denver Fire Department take a proactive approach to resiliency and emotional wellness. It’s why we’re so proud to partner with them as the beneficiary of all funds raised through our February Fire Dept. Coffee Club and Fire Dept. Shirt Club.

Throughout February, each bag of coffee purchased from the Fire Dept. Coffee Club we will give back $2. With each shirt purchased from the Fire Dept. Shirt Club, we will give back $5. In the end, thanks to your support, the Denver Fire Department will have more resources to enhance its wellness program and give back to its firefighters and other members of the team.

So we’re excited to introduce the “Comin’ in Hot” design and the High-Elevation Blend, an incredible new custom roast and one of our favorite designs yet. 

Or should we say yeti?

Denver Fire Department Covers a Lot of Ground

At the heart of the Mile High City, the Denver Fire Department stands as a pillar of strength and service. With a team comprising more than 1,109 firefighters and personnel, their commitment extends across nearly 155 square miles, reaching not only Denver but also neighboring cities such as Glendale, Skyline, Sheridan, and Englewood.

To cover this much ground, this dedicated department staffs 39 firehouses, including five that serve the busy Denver International Airport, ensuring the safety of travelers and our community.

Fire Dept. Coffee's journey with the Denver Fire Department began when we reached out to them, eager to collaborate and support their mission. 

Capt. JD Chism, the department's Public Information Officer, shared his appreciation for our work in promoting and entertaining the fire service. 

“I have seen a lot of the work FDC does to promote the fire service, and to entertain those of us working in the fire service,” Chism said. “I appreciate the work FDC has been doing and was excited to be a part of it.”

All funds raised in February will go to the Denver Fire Department Foundation, earmarked to benefit the resiliency efforts within the department’s Wellness Program.

Resilience and Wellness Are a 24/7 Priority

DFD Wellness is a comprehensive program that focuses on total wellness, addressing both physical and mental aspects, recognizing how every aspect of health impacts a firefighter’s ability to be at their best when the most serious calls come in.

A glimpse at what DFD Wellness offers:

One-on-One Services: Navigating the needs of members and connecting them to necessary resources.

"Reset" Program: Designed for members struggling with daily life and firehouse stressors, allowing a brief period to reset and refocus.

Resiliency Training: Provided to every academy class, preparing recruits for the stressful situations they will likely encounter throughout their careers in the fire service.

Mental Health Resource Expertise: Each firehouse is equipped with a binder outlining available resources and how to take advantage of them.

Peer Support, Chaplain Services: Offering emotional and spiritual assistance.

Crisis Intervention: Immediate assistance for firehouses experiencing traumatic events.

It starts with putting the infrastructure in place, and DFD has done an outstanding job of that. More importantly, they walk the walk. Their resiliency program has made a real and immediate impact in the lives of firefighters.

Recently, they supported two members to navigate the complex FMLA system and provided 30 days of in-patient mental health care at no cost to the member. In both cases, the in-patient program served its purpose, creating positive outcomes by empowering the members to take important steps to benefit their long-term mental health.

In another case, the crew of a DFD fire station had been struggling to handle the aftermath of a particularly challenging call. DFD Wellness dispatched key members of their team to visit the fire stations and meet with the crew collectively. They sat down with the crew for two hours to listen to their stories and then to educate them and help them navigate the resources available to help them cope with the traumatic event.

In such cases, trauma creates a unique journey for every firefighter based on their own unique experience of the event. 

“The entire crew was thankful and thought everything we provided was beneficial and useful for them moving forward,” Chism said. “It strengthened the bond between fire department members and the wellness team.”

A Firefighting Yeti and a Delicious Roast to Capture the Rocky Mountain Spirit

"Comin' In Hot" is more than just a coffee blend. It's a symbol of the courage and dedication embodied by the Denver Fire Department. Both the coffee bag and the T-shirt feature a fun and stylish design that draws on the mountain culture of the Denver region.

The design features the mythical yeti, reimagined as a fearless firefighting beast, descending a snowy mountain on a snowboard, flames trailing behind. Carrying a fire hose, this yeti represents the unstoppable commitment to extinguish fires and protect the community.

The coffee, dubbed High-Elevation Blend, is meticulously crafted from the finest Colombian and Guatemalan coffee beans. With each sip, you’ll experience an avalanche of delicious notes, including the bright zest of Meyer lemon, sweet undertones of brown sugar, a subtle tang of cherry, and the richness of dark chocolate.

How You Can Make a Difference

Every purchase of the Fire Dept. Coffee Club and the Fire Dept. Shirt Club in February contributes directly to the Denver Fire Department's resiliency program. By joining our clubs, you not only receive a new coffee or shirt each month but also play a vital role in supporting the well-being of the brave individuals who stand ready to protect and serve.

As we celebrate the Denver Fire Department this February, we extend our deepest gratitude to those who dedicate their lives to the safety and well-being of their community. So sip on the High-Elevation blend and wear the "Comin’ In Hot" yeti proudly on your shirt, knowing that your support directly contributes to the resilience and strength of the Denver Fire Department.