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 phone 1-844-LODD-911 (844-563-3911)
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)
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:
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 for Paramedic, EMT and FIre Academy
Find more informartion about the Karl K Thompson Fire Inspector Scholarship HERE
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 for Paramedic, EMT and FIre Academy
Find more informartion about the Karl K Thompson Fire Inspector Scholarship HERE
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, 2025.
Find more information and apply HERE
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
Paramedic Scholarship
Find more information and apply HERE
Find more information and apply HERE
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.
Find more information and apply HERE
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
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
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
2025 Karl K. Thompson Fire Inspector Scholarship
2025 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 Florida State Fire College.
Scholarships winners will be announced at the 6th Annual Heroes Dinner on May 17, 2025.
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 Florida State Fire College.
Scholarships winners will be announced at the 6th Annual Heroes Dinner on May 17, 2025.
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 April 21, 2025.
Please call Dawn 954.540.0268 with any questions
Heroes For the Holidays
The Walton Family
Help us make this Christmas bright for Guardian Flight Pilot Scott Walton. Scott and the entire crew perished when their medical transport plane went down in Reno, NV. Scott is survived by his wife Lisa and their 3 daughters.
The Adam's Family
Mom Ruby and her 4 kiddos lost their father/husband Ronald "Drake" Adams in the line of duty. Drake was passionate about being a firefighter, EMT, he orchestrated 2 honor guard units. Help us brighten their holidays!
The Family
Gallery
Sponsors
Board of Directors
Dawn Witherspoon, MS, RMHI
President
Captain Matthew Whiteshield
Vice President
Kim Schnitzius
Treasurer
Antonio Ottaviani
Commander , The For Paul National Honor Guard
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
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
