At First Responders Family Foundation, our programs are designed to support surviving families in meaningful and lasting ways. Whether it’s offering emotional healing, financial assistance, or memory-making experiences, each program is rooted in compassion, connection, and care for those who’ve lost a hero.
Ears of Honor
Honoring Fallen Heroes by Sending Their Families Somewhere Magical
This program honors the families of fallen heroes with a chance to step away from grief and into a space of healing, joy, and connection. In 2025, we sent our very first family to Disney World- thanks to generous community support - and we hope to continue making these trips possible each year, one story at a time.
What is Ears of Honor?
More than just a vacation, this program offers families of fallen police, fire, and military heroes a rare chance to pause, reconnect, and experience moments of comfort, laughter, and healing - together in a place where magic still feels possible.
2026 Trip Details
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6 days, 5 nights at a Disney Resort
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Park tickets, meals, and travel included
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Themed apparel for the whole family
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Application Deadline: Nov 30, 2025
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Winners announced Dec 24, 2025
This is why
we do it.
We were honored to send this amazing family on our very first Ears of Honor trip. Want to see more magic moments?
Shout out to Because of the Brave for their nomination and support!
A Small Gesture, A Big Impact
We’d like to give a heartfelt thank-you for the generous donation of custom pins and chapstick holders from www.ChallengeCoinCreations.com for gifting to families through our Ears of Honor program. These will be meaningful keepsakes that add a personal and comforting touch to their healing journey.
💙 Want to help support future healing journeys like this one?
Click here to see how you can help →
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You rock!
A Heroes Family Scholarship
Supporting the families of our heroes
The A Heroes Family Scholarship was created to honor the sacrifice of first responders by offering financial assistance to students who have lost a parent, guardian, or spouse in the line of duty. Eligible first responders include those who served in law enforcement, fire services, or the military.
This scholarship is open to students at any stage of their educational journey—starting with high school seniors. Whether pursuing a degree at a 2- or 4-year college, attending graduate school, or enrolling in a professional certification, trade, or vocational program, eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline: March 30, 2026
Winner Announced: April 30, 2026
Scholarships like this can help ease the road ahead. Don't wait to apply!
Supportive Healing Initiatives
Not every family wants the spotlight. Some just need a quiet moment to breathe again. Our Supportive Healing Initiatives focus on mental and emotional aftercare for families of fallen heroes, helping them heal in personal, restorative ways.
Whether we provide that support directly or help connect you to trusted resources, our goal is simple: to make sure no family walks this journey alone.
Grief Therapy
Assistance
Helping cover or offset counseling costs for spouses and children.
Healing Retreats
& Getaways
Creating peaceful moments for meaningful connections.
Connections & Resources
Partnering with networks that provide long-term support
Families We've Served
Every story is a reminder of love, loss, and healing.
Behind every program we offer is a real family navigating unimaginable loss, rediscovering joy, and finding hope in small, meaningful moments. While some families have generously allowed us to share their stories here, others have chosen to heal privately and we deeply respect that choice. We remain committed to supporting all families who walk this path and are honored to be part of their journey.
The Dixon Family's Journey of Healing
Deputy Nicolas Blane Dixon, age 28, served with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and was tragically killed in the line of duty on July 7, 2019. For 30 years, his family took a cherished beach trip every year. After his passing, they couldn't bring themselves to return in 2020.
When they shared this with us, we knew it was time to help. In 2023, our foundation facilitated a healing trip to Tybee Island. It wasn’t their usual destination—but it became a turning point. A chance to reflect, reconnect, and feel the peace that only the ocean can bring.
“There are no words to express the gratitude we feel to your Foundation—not just for the wonderful vacation, but for remembering and honoring Blane and his sacrifice... Our hearts are warmed by organizations like yours that remember his name and the greatness he put into this world.”
— Fred and Jada Dixon
The DeMonte Family – Ears of Honor 2025
On Christmas Eve 2024, we had the absolute honor of surprising the family of Officer Dustin DeMonte with an all-expenses-paid healing trip to Disney World. Officer DeMonte lost his life in the line of duty on October 12, 2022, leaving behind his wife, Laura, and their three children. With the help of Because of the Brave, we were able to make this an unforgettable holiday for a truly deserving family. As the first recipients of our Ears of Honor program, their trip marked a meaningful beginning to our mission of bringing hope and healing to families of fallen heroes.
Mid-Trip Magic and Meaningful Moments
During their week at Disney, the DeMonte family created unforgettable memories—laughing together, soaking in joy, and reconnecting as a family. Jesse, our director, traveled with them as their concierge to ensure everything went smoothly and to witness these moments of healing firsthand. One of the most touching surprises came when Hayley and Jeff Falk from Because of the Brave arrived to spend time with the family. Their support, friendship, and presence made the trip even more meaningful. Watching the smiles, laughter, and togetherness was a powerful reminder that healing doesn’t always come from words—it comes from feeling cared for, supported, and seen.
Reflections from the Heart
“From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to sincerely thank the First Responders Family Foundation, Ears of Honor, for this amazing trip to Disney. This week has been so special to our family. We are so grateful for these memories that will last a lifetime, and for the opportunity to connect with absolutely amazing people and an amazing organization… We are forever grateful for this experience, the time we’ve spent healing, and the wonderful memories we’ve made.”
— Laura DeMonte
“Personally, this was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve ever had—not only in the nonprofit world, but in my life. The DeMonte family welcomed me like one of their own. Watching Laura and her children experience moments of joy… seeing the love from those who traveled to support them… it was beautiful to witness. I’m just grateful to have been part of their journey.”— Jesse Myers
