First responders honoring fallen heroes

When a hero falls, their family shouldn't fall as well.

the Hero Family Bridge team closes the gap between loss and benefits — funded by first responders, for first responders.

The reality

There's a gap. Most families don't know it exists until it's too late.

When a Line of Duty Death (LODD) occurs, the federal Public Safety Officers' Benefit (PSOB) can take 12 to 36 months to arrive. Immediate support runs out. Bills don't wait.

1

Day 1

LODD occurs. Immediate community support begins.

2

Weeks 2–8

Immediate funds are exhausted. PSOB application is filed.

3

Months 3–36

Family waits. No income. No timeline. No bridge.

4

The Bridge

Hero Family Bridge activates within 24–48 hours of LODD.

September 11, 2001

After 9-11, their families were told they would get nothing.

Life insurance policies for 442 heroes who died on 9/11 initially refused to pay — citing an "Act of War or Terror" clause. This exposure still exists in policies today. The rest of the families of the 2,977 that died that day heard the same thing.

343Fire
60Police
39EMS

How it works

Simple. Fast. 100% to the family.

01

LODD is reported

A Line of Duty Death is confirmed and reported to the Hero Family Bridge network.

02

Alert goes out immediately

Every member receives a text and email within hours. The ask is simple: $2, $5, or $10 in the next 24–48 hours.

03

100% reaches the family

Every dollar raised for that family goes directly to that family. No overhead deducted. No delays.

Join the Bridge

First responders take care of first responders better than anyone.

Whether you carry a badge, a hose, or a stethoscope — or you simply believe in the people who do — there's a place for you here.

First Responder Member

Fire, police, EMS, and all first responders. Join the network that has your family's back.

Join as a First Responder

Civilian Supporter

You don't have to wear the gear to stand behind those who do. Your support matters.

Join as a Supporter
First responders in the field

100% of funds raised for a family go directly to that family.

Hero Family Bridge

First responders take care of first responders better than anyone. We exist to close the gaps — so no family is left waiting alone.

Founded by Jimmy Sewell — First Responder (retired), 9/11 body recovery participant, and advocate for the families left behind.

© 2026 Hero Family Bridge. All rights reserved.

100% of funds raised for a family go directly to that family.