The For Paul Foundation

Honoring Heroes in Honor of Our Hero

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 phone 1-844-LODD-911 (844-563-3911)

Past Events

TitleDateLocation
5th Annual Heroes Dinner01 Jun 202416690 Saddle Club Rd, Weston, FL 33326, USA
EGG MY YARD FUNDRAISER29 Mar 2024At your home!
Slice with Santa21 Dec 202313718 W State Rd 84, Davie, FL 33325
Heroes Dinner03 Jun 202316690 Saddle Club Road, Weston, FL, USA
Skee Ball Tournament02 Jun 2023Silverball Pinball Museum
EGG MY YARD FUNDRAISER07 Apr 2023
Spaghetti with Santa December 22nd @ 5:3022 Dec 202213718 West State Road 84, Davie, FL, USA
Heroes Dinner04 Jun 202216690 Saddle Club Road, Weston, FL, USA
FIRE HOUSE DINNER RAFFLE20 Apr 2022Panther Parkway, Sunrise, FL, USA
Strike a Box Scholarship15 Apr 2022
2022 Community Hero Scholarships01 Apr 2022
Pomp, Snow & CIRQUEumstance Treasure Chest full of goodies!10 Dec 2021To Be Announced
Spaghetti with Santa December 9th @7:30 - Copy09 Dec 202113718 West State Road 84, Davie, FL, USA
Spaghetti with Santa December 9th @ 5:3009 Dec 202113718 West State Road 84, Davie, FL, USA
Peer Support Group for Families suffering from a line of duty death19 Aug 2021Online Event
Heroes Dinner05 Jun 2021Bonaventure Town Center
Egg My Yard01 Apr 2021At Your Home
Hero WOD06 Feb 202111551 University Boulevard, Orlando, FL, USA
Scholarship information image
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Thanks so much to our friends at Public Safety Answers who have donated their time and products to help us with our 2025 Scholarships.  
**Public Safety Asnwers is supporting our scholarship application process this year! 
 Find more information and apply HERE




Future Community Heroes Scholarship image
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, 2025.
Find more information and apply HERE​​​
Paramedic Scholarship
​​Find more information and apply HERE​​​
STRIKE A BOX Scholarship image
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.
Find more information and apply HERE​​​
Graeme Gilmour Scholarship imageGraeme Gilmour Scholarship imageGraeme Gilmour Scholarship image
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.
**The scholarship will be issued directly to Palm Beach County Fire Academy and have up to 12 months to use it**
Find more information and apply HERE
For more details or to apply email forpaulfoundation@gmail.com or call 954.540.0268
2024 Karl K. Thompson Fire Inspector Scholarship image2024 Karl K. Thompson Fire Inspector Scholarship image2024 Karl K. Thompson Fire Inspector Scholarship image
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:
  • 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.  
Find the application HERE or email forpaulfoundation@gmail.com
Please call Dawn 954.540.0268 with any questions

Sponsored by: Bichler & Longo, The First Responder Law Firm

The Walton Family

The Adam's Family

The Family

Dawn Witherspoon, MS, RMHI

President

Captain Matthew Whiteshield

Vice President

Kim Schnitzius

Treasurer

Antonio Ottaviani

Commander , The For Paul National Honor Guard

Antonio serves as a Critical Care Paramedic for Global Medical Response, where his proficiency in critical care has been paramount to his role. His dedication extends beyond the call of duty as he also holds the position of Assistant Commander for the TX/OK/NM GMR Honor Guard, showcasing his leadership and respect for the traditions and values of our first responders. His commitment to the emergency services community is further exemplified through his active involvement with the National EMS Memorial, where he serves in significant roles, honoring and remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This dedication reflects Antonio's deep respect for his peers and his desire to contribute positively to the EMS community. In his role as Safety Officer for the OEM at GMR, Antonio emphasizes the importance of safety and well-being, ensuring that our first responders operate in environments that prioritize their health and security. His efforts underscore a crucial aspect of our mission: to care for those who care for us. Antonio is also an entrepreneur, leading Rise Health and Wellness, a telemedicine company that aims to revolutionize access to healthcare. This venture demonstrates his innovative approach to wellness and his commitment to extending care beyond emergency situations. On a personal note, Antonio's journey is shared with his beloved wife and daughter, highlighting his role as a devoted family man. His ability to balance professional achievements with personal happiness serves as an inspiration to us all. Antonio's multifaceted involvement in emergency services, his leadership roles in honoring our heroes, and his entrepreneurial spirit in health and wellness make him a valuable addition to The For Paul Foundation. His dedication to making a difference in the lives of first responders and their families aligns perfectly with our goals.

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

Janna Allan

$25

Donation Amount

Future Heroes Scholarship Application

Fire Academy Scholarship

Paramedic Scholarship

2024 Karl K. Thompson Fire Inspector Scholarship

  • 501 (c) 3 Letter of Determination

  • Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Registration