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
Ears of Honor was created to give families of fallen heroes time away from the weight of everyday life—a chance to reconnect, make new memories, and simply enjoy being together. Through the generosity of our community, we provide Walt Disney World experiences for families who have sacrificed so much, bringing moments of joy, comfort, and a little Disney magic along the way.
Who is Ears of Honor For?
Ears of Honor serves families of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and U.S. military service members whose death occurred in the line of duty. Families may apply directly or be nominated by someone who knows their story.
2027 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, 2026
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Selected family/families notified Dec 24, 2026
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 program is designed to support students at any stage of their educational journey—starting with high school seniors. Support may include those pursuing a degree at a 2- or 4-year college, attending graduate school, or enrolling in a professional certification, trade, or vocational program.
The scholarship program is currently under review. Please check back for future updates.
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
Want to Help a Family Heal?
Support doesn't always have to come in the form of a monetary donation. Sometimes the most meaningful help comes from people and businesses willing to share what they already have.
Maybe you have a cabin or vacation property you'd be willing to offer for a quiet family getaway. Perhaps you're a counselor willing to provide sessions, or your business or organization has a service, experience, or resource that could help a family as they navigate life after loss.
If you have something you'd like to offer, we'd love to hear from you.
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
Officer Dustin DeMonte lost his life in the line of duty on October 12, 2022, leaving behind his wife, Laura, and their three children.
In 2025, the DeMonte family became the first recipients of our Ears of Honor experience, receiving an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World.
Throughout their week at Disney, the DeMonte family shared moments of laughter, togetherness, and joy while creating new memories to carry forward. For a family navigating life after unimaginable loss, the experience offered something simple but meaningful: time together, away from the everyday, with space to just be a family.
“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
The Schreiber Family – Ears of Honor 2026
Deputy Brandon Schreiber was shot in the line of duty on September 1, 2024. He passed away on September 11, leaving behind his wife and their two young children.
In 2026, the Schreiber family became our second Ears of Honor family and traveled to Walt Disney World. Disney was a trip Brandon and his wife had talked about taking with their children someday. Experiencing it without him was bittersweet—a chance to fulfill a dream they had once shared while feeling deeply the absence of the person who should have been there with them.
Ears of Honor 2027
Another family's story is waiting to be written