The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association
“Our mission is to support underserved Fire Explorers and Cadets by providing scholarships, equipment purchasing financial aid, and other financial assistance to programs and individuals.”
The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association is a non-profit organization started by Kevin Woyjeck’s parents, Joe and Anna Woyjeck. It was founded as a way to honor and carry on Kevin’s legacy after his line of duty passing, battling the Yarnell, AZ wildfire on June 30th, 2013, alongside 18 crewmates. KWEFLA helps young men and women successfully participate in fire career related explorer and cadet programs, just like Kevin did himself. Kevin truly enjoyed the explorer program and what it had to offer him in reaching his dreams.
Our organization gives fire explorer and fire cadet programs and disadvantaged youth access to tools that help them follow their career goals, while shadowing real firefighters volunteering their time to teach and pass on knowledge. It fosters a priceless on-hand learning environment.
Make a Donation
Support from the community, public and private sector is essential to our ability to support fire explorer and cadet programs and disadvantaged youth from across the country. To date, we’ve been able to donate resources and funds across the country. Please consider making a monetary contribution by clicking the link below.
Donate
Hello all,
It has been an incredible year.
The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association has made an immeasurable difference in the lives of so many young men and women. Some of our support is easy to measure, but just as important are the young people we havesupported but may never meet, the ones whose paths are shaped by the lessons and opportunities they receive through Explorer and Cadet programs. In today’s challenging times, we hope those lessons stay with them wherever life takes them.
We couldn’t do any of this without YOU, our supporters, partners, and friends. As we near the end of 2025, please consider making a donation to the Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association. We are an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every dollar directly supports the next generation of first responders.
Our push for 2026 is for more recurring donations. Even $10 a month—about the cost of one Starbucks with a tip—can make a huge difference.
Click below to sign up for recurring donations.
Checks are also gratefully accepted:
KWEFLA
1077 E. PCH #219
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Thank you for helping keep Kevin’s legacy alive and for investing in the future of our fire service family.
Click below to donate..
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Comment on Facebook
Thank you Los Angeles County Fire Department @lacountyfd for your feature article. Your support means so much to us, and we are very grateful for the way you continue to uplift our family, our mission, and Kevin’s legacy.
In this week’s edition of Size-Up, LACoFD shared a meaningful look into our story and the heart behind the KWEFLA
mission.
They wrote about Joe’s long career with the department, noting how he “proudly served as a Fire Captain with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department,” and how Kevin “grew up closely connected to the fire service community and joined the LACoFD Explorer Program at just 15.” Those early experiences shaped the dedication and spirit that continue to guide this organization today.
The feature also highlighted how the foundation began, sharing that Anna “recognized that many young people dream of becoming firefighters but simply cannot afford the gear, tuition, or training required.” They described how she asked a question that became the heart of this mission:
“Why don’t we help them?”
From that idea, the organization grew into what LACoFD described as “a nationally recognized nonprofit supporting underserved fire explorers and cadets across the country.”
They went on to share:
“This organization was created out of purpose. It thrives because Kevin’s spirit inspires people everywhere to lift up underserved youth and help them shine.”
We are honored that LACoFD chose to spotlight the work of our board, our donors and our sponsors. Thank you for helping us support the next generation of firefighters and continue Kevin’s legacy with purpose and heart.💜
Full article available at fire.lacounty.gov/kwefla-spotlight/ ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Thank you Kevin Woyjeck 🙏
Joe and Anna have helped so many young people and are shining examples of how to deal with personal grief and how to turn that into something positive. It has certainly helped me in my own grief therapy..Thanks Joe and Anna and your family....and you see...people do remember Kevin and his crew...never forget.
Repost @erinstibal
Yeaterday we had the privilege of hearing @joe_woyjeck Joe give a presentation about the Granite Mountain Hot Shots buggies at a fire museum conference at the Hall of Flame museum in Arizona. Joe was never much of a public speaker, but with the media attention after the GMHS incident and the loss of Kevin and his crew, Joe has become a well-renowned speaker across the country discussing the tragedy and sharing his story about it. Today was a small, different part of that story. It was hard to hear, and I’m sure I’d lose it if I heard his usual speech. We are so proud of Joe, his bravery and strength, his journey in dealing with the loss, and his ability to share his personal, emotional story in a public setting. Great job, friend! You are truly an inspiration! 💜RIP KW 19 @explorers.for.life ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Esta Piper Pedro! Pete Martinez
Joe and Anna have made the most of a tragedy that their family lived thru. Love them both💔
🔔 A moment that truly connected generations of courage.
Yesterday my cousins and I visited the historic Big Duke Fire Alarm Bell in Savannah — a piece of the city’s fire history dating back to 1872. Back then, Big Duke was rung to alert the city when fires broke out, with different ringing patterns for each neighborhood so firefighters and residents would know where to go. It was Savannah’s voice in times of danger and hope, later used to celebrate homecomings and honor fallen heroes before being retired in 1985.
We brought the Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life and Granite Mountain 19 challenge coin, remembering all who’ve served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Being there together, surrounded by so much history and heart, was a powerful reminder of what connects us all — love, service, and the call to help others. ❤️
Thank you for a wonderful time; Savannah, your history is fascinating and gave me so much perspective.
Love, Anna 💜
📍 Big Duke Bell – East Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah GA
🔥 “May the bell always ring in honor of the brave.” ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
In Savannah Georgia.. wow
We were there a couple of weeks ago. We did a walking tour & they told us the story behind the bell. Great city.
Our family continues to be humbled and grateful for the work being done through the Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association (KWEFLA).
This week, we were honored to help donate $10,000 to the Noel Junior Firefighter Program in Missouri — supporting young people as they begin their journey toward a life of service in the fire community. It feels good to write these kind of checks!
Kevin’s legacy lives on in every cadet who learns, trains, and grows with the same dedication, courage, and heart he carried into everything he did. Seeing programs like this thrive reminds us why KWEFLA exists — to invest in the future of the fire service and to keep Kevin’s spirit of service alive.
Our heartfelt thanks to the KWEFLA Board of Directors, our incredible donors, and everyone who continues to believe in this mission. Your generosity ensures that the next generation of firefighters has the tools, mentorship, and support they need to succeed.
We are deeply touched by the words of Missouri State Fire Marshal Tim Bean, who shared:
“Thank you to KWEFLA for supporting the future of the Missouri Fire Service. Congratulations to the Noel Junior Firefighter Program.”
With love and gratitude,
Joe & Anna ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Outstanding !
So proud or our board and our sponsors, we are making a difference!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association Donates $10,000 to Support Noel Junior Firefighter Program
Noel, Missouri — October 23, 2025 — The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association (KWEFLA) is proud to announce a $10,000 donation to the Noel Junior Firefighter Program in Missouri. This contribution will directly support the growth and development of the department’s youth program, which prepares aspiring first responders for future careers in the fire service.
These funds will help the Noel fire department purchase essential training gear, protective equipment, educational materials and scholarships that allow young participants to safely and effectively learn the fundamentals of firefighting. The support from KWEFLA ensures that the next generation of first responders receive the tools, mentorship, and encouragement they need to succeed.
“Our mission has always been to honor Kevin’s legacy by helping young men and women pursue their dream of becoming first responders,” said Joe Woyjeck, President of the Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association. “The Noel Junior Firefighter Program represents exactly what Kevin stood for — service, teamwork, and a passion for helping others.”
The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association was established in memory of Kevin Woyjeck, a Los Angeles County Firefighter and proud member of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who lost his life in the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire. The association is a 100% volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Fire Explorer and Cadet programs nationwide through scholarships, equipment donations, and mentorship opportunities.
For more information about the Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association or to learn how to support its mission, please visit www.explorersforlife.org.
Media Contact:
Joe Woyjeck
President, Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association
KWExplorers@gmail.com ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
No one need tell you, but you and the Kevin's organization has accomplished and done so, so much to protect and teach our upcoming generations of firefighters. The Lord has blessed you in abundant ways that you may abundantly bless others and I love you for all you have done. Kevin is daily in my heart and memory as he so blessed me. Love to you. Lynn
Thank you Lynn, We have a great team on our board and we have great supporters who trust us and enable us to follow our mission statement.
That's amazing, Joe! What a great thing you're doing!
Awesome!
This is so wonderful 🙌 🙌 🚒 👨🏾🚒
Amazing work Joe. You and your Team Honor Kevin by helping our next generation of Firefighters. Solid work pal👊👍🇺🇸
Awesome !!! Great program and giving it forward. Thanks Joe and all involved. You guys truly make a difference.
So awesome!!
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Kevin would be so proud of @petie_montero90!
Always an Angels fan, forever a Pedro fan! Good luck, Dodgers!💙💜 ... See MoreSee Less
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Are those available in sticker form?
Ditto! Would love a sticker.
I'd like some too That was a heck of a game last night
Luv it!
Can we purchase these stickers?
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Ending Kevin’s birthday month with today’s fundraiser at Ballast Point! 💜💜
We are so grateful for the continued love and support. Because of you, we’ve been able to help incredible explorers and explorer programs carry forward Kevin’s spirit of service.
We know not everyone can join us in person, but we’d love for you to raise a glass and toast to Kev wherever you are. 🍻He would like that too!
After all, it’s National Beer Day — share your cheers photos and tag us @explorers.for.life so we can celebrate together!
Here’s to you, Kevin.
We love you and miss you soooo much!
Mom & Dad ... See MoreSee Less
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Have a great day !
See you in a bit! Mark and Diane Lepore
Cheers.
Just saw this- we will raise a glass and toast to Kevin a few days late. But the sentiment is the same. We talk lovingly of him often, so he is not forgotten. Sending love and hugs to you all ! ❣️🍻
Thanks to all of you, KWEFLA, is proud to have supported the Las Vegas Fire Department Explorer Program with 40 new Phenix first due helmets! We wish all of them the best of luck! 💜👏🏼🙌 ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
We can not thank your wonderful organization enough for the kind and generous donation you have provided our Explorers! We look forward to putting this outstanding gift in to service and sharing some pictures!