The For Paul Foundation
Honoring Heroes in Honor of Our Hero
About
The For Paul Foundation was founded in honor of 36-year-old Critical Care Flight Paramedic Paul Besaw, killed in the line of duty on June 1, 2017. During Paul's 18 years in EMS, he not only saved lives and administered emergency medical services, he also made a difference through teaching, and training. Paul was the guy that you called when you needed help on a call, he would always answer eagerly no matter the time and would never pass judgement. Paul was not only a dedicated paramedic but he was a loving husband to his wife Dawn and the most attentive and caring father to their daughter Allison who was 5 at the time of her father’s death.
Our Foundation a 501 (c)3 not for profit aims to honor Paul by supporting, honoring, and providing education for other first responders EMS, Ambulance Personnel, Medical Flight Services and their families. We provide scholarships for individuals wishing to become EMTs, Paramedics, or Firefighters. We work to make sure needs are met for all EMS, First Responders, and their families by providing support or advocating for them on the local and national level. We make sure they are honored and recognized for their dedication to others. One of our major areas of focus is to support families that have suffered from losing a loved one in the line of duty. For more information or to become a sponsor of one of our many events and efforts please contact us through our contact page or via phone 954.540.0268.
Our Foundation a 501 (c)3 not for profit aims to honor Paul by supporting, honoring, and providing education for other first responders EMS, Ambulance Personnel, Medical Flight Services and their families. We provide scholarships for individuals wishing to become EMTs, Paramedics, or Firefighters. We work to make sure needs are met for all EMS, First Responders, and their families by providing support or advocating for them on the local and national level. We make sure they are honored and recognized for their dedication to others. One of our major areas of focus is to support families that have suffered from losing a loved one in the line of duty. For more information or to become a sponsor of one of our many events and efforts please contact us through our contact page or via phone 954.540.0268.
How We Help
Events
Past Events
| Title | Date | Day | Location | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Annual Heroes Dinner | 01 Jun 2024 | Saturday | 16690 Saddle Club Rd, Weston, FL 33326, USA | Closed |
| EGG MY YARD FUNDRAISER | 29 Mar 2024 | Friday | At your home! | |
| Slice with Santa | 21 Dec 2023 | Thursday | 13718 W State Rd 84, Davie, FL 33325 | Closed |
| Heroes Dinner | 03 Jun 2023 | Saturday | 16690 Saddle Club Road, Weston, FL, USA | Closed |
| Skee Ball Tournament | 02 Jun 2023 | Friday | Silverball Pinball Museum | Closed |
| EGG MY YARD FUNDRAISER | 07 Apr 2023 | Friday | ||
| Spaghetti with Santa December 22nd @ 5:30 | 22 Dec 2022 | Thursday | 13718 West State Road 84, Davie, FL, USA | Closed |
| Heroes Dinner | 04 Jun 2022 | Saturday | 16690 Saddle Club Road, Weston, FL, USA | Closed |
| FIRE HOUSE DINNER RAFFLE | 20 Apr 2022 | Wednesday | Panther Parkway, Sunrise, FL, USA | Closed |
| Strike a Box Scholarship | 15 Apr 2022 | Friday | Closed | |
| 2022 Community Hero Scholarships | 01 Apr 2022 | Friday | Closed | |
| Pomp, Snow & CIRQUEumstance Treasure Chest full of goodies! | 10 Dec 2021 | Friday | To Be Announced | Closed |
| Spaghetti with Santa December 9th @7:30 - Copy | 09 Dec 2021 | Thursday | 13718 West State Road 84, Davie, FL, USA | Closed |
| Spaghetti with Santa December 9th @ 5:30 | 09 Dec 2021 | Thursday | 13718 West State Road 84, Davie, FL, USA | Closed |
| Peer Support Group for Families suffering from a line of duty death | 19 Aug 2021 | Thursday | Online Event | Closed |
| Heroes Dinner | 05 Jun 2021 | Saturday | Bonaventure Town Center | Closed |
| Egg My Yard | 01 Apr 2021 | Thursday | At Your Home | Closed |
| Hero WOD | 06 Feb 2021 | Saturday | 11551 University Boulevard, Orlando, FL, USA |
Scholarship information
SCHOLARSHIPS
Deadline to submit application for all scholarships is April 21, 2024.
There will be a minimum of 3 scholarships awarded in each category.
The Future Community Hero Scholarship in partnership with IAFF LOCAL 4321 for those wishing to attend EMT school.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EMT SCHOLARSHIP HERE
The Strike A Box Scholarship for Fire Academy in partnership with The South Florida F.O.O.L.S.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE STRIKE A BOX SCHOLARSHIP HERE
The Graeme Gilmour Scholarship for Palm Beach State Fire Academy in partnership with The Palm Beach County F.O.O.L.S.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GRAEME GILMOUR SCHOLARSHIP HERE
Nationwide Paramedic Scholarship sponsored by Emergency Education Institute
LEARN ABOUT PARAMEDIC SCHOLARSHIP HERE
All scholarship applications must be emailed with all attachments in one single email to the forpaulfoundation@gmail.com no later than 11:59pm April 21, 2024. If your scholarship requires a video you can send your video in a zip file or upoad your video to Youtube or another service and send the link. For all other documents and if an essay is requried please attach in one email to forpaulfoundation@gmail.com
For a quicker response to questions call 954.540.0268
Deadline to submit application for all scholarships is April 21, 2024.
There will be a minimum of 3 scholarships awarded in each category.
The Future Community Hero Scholarship in partnership with IAFF LOCAL 4321 for those wishing to attend EMT school.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EMT SCHOLARSHIP HERE
The Strike A Box Scholarship for Fire Academy in partnership with The South Florida F.O.O.L.S.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE STRIKE A BOX SCHOLARSHIP HERE
The Graeme Gilmour Scholarship for Palm Beach State Fire Academy in partnership with The Palm Beach County F.O.O.L.S.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GRAEME GILMOUR SCHOLARSHIP HERE
Nationwide Paramedic Scholarship sponsored by Emergency Education Institute
LEARN ABOUT PARAMEDIC SCHOLARSHIP HERE
All scholarship applications must be emailed with all attachments in one single email to the forpaulfoundation@gmail.com no later than 11:59pm April 21, 2024. If your scholarship requires a video you can send your video in a zip file or upoad your video to Youtube or another service and send the link. For all other documents and if an essay is requried please attach in one email to forpaulfoundation@gmail.com
For a quicker response to questions call 954.540.0268
Future Community Heroes Scholarship
Future Community Hero Scholarship
This scholarship was created to continue the legacy of fallen first responders and will be awarded to those who wish to pursue a career as a Firefighter, EMT or Paramedic and will be entering an EMT program within the next year. We are honored to partner with The International Association of Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Local #4321 to bring this scholarship to you. Deadline to submit is April 21, 2024
Criteria:
Please call Dawn 954.540.0268 with any questions
This scholarship was created to continue the legacy of fallen first responders and will be awarded to those who wish to pursue a career as a Firefighter, EMT or Paramedic and will be entering an EMT program within the next year. We are honored to partner with The International Association of Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Local #4321 to bring this scholarship to you. Deadline to submit is April 21, 2024
Criteria:
- Applicants must reside in the State of Florida
- Volunteer in the Community
- Submit a completed application
- Each applicant must submit an up to 3 minute video essay explaining why you want to pursue a career as a Firefighter, EMT, or Paramedic. What qualities you feel you can bring to a career that helps others. Also be sure to include how you have already started on that journey in your community (Include any relevant certifications or trainings you have completed such as first aid, life guard training, etc.)
- Recommendation letter from a non-related First Responder; must include their contact information for verification purposes
- Resume
- All applications must be emailed with all attachments in a single email to the forpaulfoundation@gmail.com no later than 11:59pm April 21, 2024. You can send your video in a zip file or upoad your video to Youtube or another service and send the link.
Please call Dawn 954.540.0268 with any questions
Paramedic Scholarship
Paramedic Scholarship
The For Paul Foundation sponsored by Emergency Education Institute will be awarding scholarships in the amount of $1,500 for eligible EMTs to attend Paramedic School NATIONWIDE!!!
Requirements:
**The scholarship will be issued directly to the accredited paramedic school of choice and must be used no later than 6/1/2025**
Get application HERE
For more details or to apply email forpaulfoundation@gmail.com or call 954.540.0268
The For Paul Foundation sponsored by Emergency Education Institute will be awarding scholarships in the amount of $1,500 for eligible EMTs to attend Paramedic School NATIONWIDE!!!
Requirements:
- up to a 750 word essay decribing why you would like to become a Paramedic and what unique abilities you will bring to the position.
- Resume
- Recommendation letter from a non-related First Responder
- Provide proof of ccompletion from an EMT program.
- NREMT Certificate or State License
- Must be a legal resident of the United States.
- Deadline is April 21, 2024
**The scholarship will be issued directly to the accredited paramedic school of choice and must be used no later than 6/1/2025**
Get application HERE
For more details or to apply email forpaulfoundation@gmail.com or call 954.540.0268
STRIKE A BOX Scholarship
Strike a Box Scholarship in partnership with The South Florida Fools
The For Paul Foundation and The South Florida Fools will be awarding scholarships in honor of Captain James O'Neil Dillon, Lieutenant Kevin Johns, and Firefighter Francis Jankowski.
These scholarships are available to individuals that have completed EMT or Paramedic School and would like to attend a fire academy.
Requirements:
Get application HERE
For more details or to apply email forpaulfoundation@gmail.com or call 954.540.0268
The For Paul Foundation and The South Florida Fools will be awarding scholarships in honor of Captain James O'Neil Dillon, Lieutenant Kevin Johns, and Firefighter Francis Jankowski.
These scholarships are available to individuals that have completed EMT or Paramedic School and would like to attend a fire academy.
Requirements:
- up to a 3 minute video on why you are choosing a career as a firefighter and what unique abilities you will bring to the position along with any experience you may already have.
- Recommendation letter from a First Responder
- Reside in South Florida
- Resume
- Provide proof of completing EMT or Paramedic School before 5/30/24
- Deadline is April 21, 2024
Get application HERE
For more details or to apply email forpaulfoundation@gmail.com or call 954.540.0268
Graeme Gilmour Scholarship
Graeme Gilmour Scholarship in partnership with The Palm Beach County F.O.O.L.S.
The For Paul Foundation and The Palm Beach County Fools will be awarding scholarships in honor of Driver Operator Graeme Gilmour.
These scholarships are available to individuals that have completed EMT or Paramedic School and would like to attend a fire academy.
Requirements:
Get application HERE
For more details or to apply email forpaulfoundation@gmail.com or call 954.540.0268
The For Paul Foundation and The Palm Beach County Fools will be awarding scholarships in honor of Driver Operator Graeme Gilmour.
These scholarships are available to individuals that have completed EMT or Paramedic School and would like to attend a fire academy.
Requirements:
- up to a 3 minute video on why you are choosing a career as a firefighter and what unique abilities you will bring to the position along with any experience you may already have.
- Recommendation letter from a First Responder
- Scholarship must be used to attend the Palm Beach Fire Academy
- Resume
- Provide proof of completing EMT or Paramedic School before 5/30/24
- Deadline is April 21, 2024
Get application HERE
For more details or to apply email forpaulfoundation@gmail.com or call 954.540.0268
2024 Karl K. Thompson Fire Inspector Scholarship
2024 Karl K. Thompson Fire Inspector Scholarship
The For Paul Foundation is excited to join forces with The Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association to award a scholarship to those wishing to embark on a career as a Fire Inspector within the State of Florida. Scholarship is valued at $1,000 to take five inspector classes, paid directly to the school
Scholarships will be awarded in November at the annual FFMIA convention.
Criteria:
Please call Dawn 954.540.0268 with any questions
The For Paul Foundation is excited to join forces with The Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association to award a scholarship to those wishing to embark on a career as a Fire Inspector within the State of Florida. Scholarship is valued at $1,000 to take five inspector classes, paid directly to the school
Scholarships will be awarded in November at the annual FFMIA convention.
Criteria:
- Must attend inspector courses at Florida State Fire College within 1 year.
- Submit a completed application
- Submit a resume
- Submit a recommendation letter; must include their contact information for verification purposes.
- Essay up to 500 Words “Why I would like to be a fire inspector"
- All applications must be emailed with all attachments in a single email to the forpaulfoundation@gmail.com no later than 11:59pm October 21, 2024.
Please call Dawn 954.540.0268 with any questions
Heroes For the Holidays
Gallery
Sponsors
Board of Directors
Dawn Witherspoon, MS, RMHI
President
Captain Matthew Whiteshield
Vice President
Kim Schnitzius
Treasurer
Chief Michael McNally
Chief Ken Yost
Todd Metz
Geoff Bichler
Josh Entin
Chief Legal Officer
Casey Shiflet, NRP CCEMT-P
VP Of EMS Relations
Lieutenant Rob Pastor
Mary Molina-MacFie
Brandon Waldorff
Robin Fleming
Janna Allan
Donate
Please help support us in making a difference for First Responders EMS, Ambulance Personnel, Medical Flight Services and their families through education, support, and appreciation. Your donation will go to scholarships, helping families of fallen first responders, and to show appreciation to the women and men that give back to their communities every single day.
“A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Call ”1-800-HELP-FLA for copy or visit fdacs.gov
“A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Call ”1-800-HELP-FLA for copy or visit fdacs.gov
$25
