Our Founder's Story
One Man's Promise to the Brotherhood
Roger Odachowski didn't set out to build a foundation. He set out to keep a promise — to every firefighter who deserved better than what the system offered them.
Roger Odachowski
Founder & Chairman
Where It Began
Taking Care of Those Who Take Care of Others
The Brotherhood of Firefighters Foundation was born from one firefighter's battle with cancer. For Founder and Chairman Roger K. Odachowski, the diagnosis was life-changing. Rather than step back, he stepped forward to ensure no firefighter or family faces life's toughest challenges alone.
These men and women ran into burning buildings their entire careers. The least we can do is fight for them when they need us most.
The Turning Point
When Awareness Became Action
The moment that changed everything wasn't a single event — it was an accumulation. Diagnosis after diagnosis. Funeral after funeral. Firefighters in the prime of their lives, or well into retirement, facing cancers that research increasingly linked to the chemicals in their gear and the foam they trained with. PFAS. Carcinogens. Toxins that had been present in the fire service for decades — and that no one was doing enough to address.
Roger saw a system that was failing the people who had given everything to protect their communities. Insurance gaps. Limited access to specialized screenings. Families left without financial support. A culture that prided itself on toughness but had no infrastructure for the long fight against occupational cancer. He decided that wasn't acceptable.
I've watched too many brothers and sisters fight battles they shouldn't have to fight alone. That's why we built this.
Looking Forward
The Fight Continues
Roger's vision for the Brotherhood of Firefighters Foundation has never been about building an institution — it's been about changing outcomes. Every firefighter who gets tested before cancer develops. Every family that receives support when they need it most. Every piece of legislation that moves the fire service closer to PFAS-free equipment. These are the victories that matter.
The foundation is growing — expanding its programs, deepening its partnerships, and reaching more firefighters every year. But the mission remains exactly what it was the day Roger made his promise: no firefighter should ever face this alone.
The fire service takes care of its own. We're here to make sure that promise extends to the fight against occupational cancer.
From the Desk of Roger Odachowski
A Letter from Our Founder
Roger Odachowski wrote this letter to share the personal conviction behind the Brotherhood of Firefighters Foundation — why it was built, what drives it forward, and what he believes every firefighter and their family deserves.
Read his words in full below, or download the letter to share with your department, your family, or anyone who needs to understand why this work matters.
"No firefighter in this country should ever feel alone in their most challenging moments."
Share with your department, your family, or anyone who needs to hear this.
Honor the Mission
Roger built this foundation for every firefighter who deserved better. Your support helps us keep that promise — one firefighter, one family at a time.