Denis Leary's Foundation Receives Grant for First Responder Training

Written By DANIEL LIBON (Patch Staff)

The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation’s (DDBRCF) New England Chapter recently awarded the Spirit of Blue Foundation and the Leary Firefighters Foundation nearly $150,000 in grants.

“The Leary Firefighters Foundation is so grateful to The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation for this grant to launch our second leadership training course, this time in Boston,” said Denis Leary, the Foundation’s President. “The training we’re providing these firefighters and first responders is critical, and we’re thrilled to be able to partner with DDBRCF to make it happen.”

With the funds received from The DDBRCF grant, the Leary Firefighters Foundation is holding a five-day leadership training course in Boston the week of June 8 for firefighters and first responders from Boston, Worcester, and New York.

These grants reflect a core pillar of the DDBRCF, which is to ensure the safety of neighborhoods and communities through partnerships with organizations that support our troops at home and abroad, as well as firefighters and public safety officers.

The Spirit of Blue Foundation and the Leary Firefighters Foundation will use these funds to provide much-needed training to first responders.

About The Spirit of Blue Foundation

The Spirit of Blue Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the enhancement of officer safety and vitality throughout the law enforcement community. With the funding received, the organization has created a grant initiative focused on the enhancement of officer safety through equipment and training in 17 communities in New England.

“We are truly appreciative for this generous gift that will supply necessary training to our officers and provide the tools that will reaffirm our commitment to their safety,” stated Ryan T. Smith, Executive Director of the Spirit of Blue Foundation. “We want to thank The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation for this grant.”

About The Leary Firefighters Foundation

The Leary Firefighters Foundation, founded by actor Denis Leary, provides funding and resources for fire departments to acquire the best available equipment, technology, and training necessary for the health and safety of firefighters and in turn, the public they serve.

True champions in New England

Through the generosity of franchisees, employees, vendors, and guests, The DDBRCF raises funds to support nonprofit organizations making a difference in communities across the United States. Since its founding in 2006, The DDBRCF has awarded $8 million in grants to local charities.

“We are honored to award these grants to two organizations that are true champions in our New England Communities,” said Todd Wallace, Northeast Chapter Co-Chair of The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation. “The DDBRCF and our local franchisees appreciate and respect the work of all firefighters and police officers and are committed to giving back to programs that will save lives.”

(Photo by mastrfshrmn, via flickr creative commons)