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
July 6,2025
Remembering the 14 fallen firefighters of Storm King.
Our hearts go out to all of their families and special love to our friend Jim Roth, brother of fallen firefighter Roger Roth. ... See MoreSee Less
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🖤🕊️🖤
🙏🙏
❤️
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 Thank you for your service!
🙏💜
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Twelve Years. And Dozens of Blessings.
Twelve years ago, nineteen brave brothers made the ultimate sacrifice in the Yarnell Hill Fire. Their memory lives on every single day — carried in our hearts, spoken in stories, and honored through action.
This time of year, so many hearts ache as we remember those 19 heroes — including our Kevin. We also honor Brendan, the lone survivor, who became a firefighter last year and carries forward the spirit of their brotherhood. Joe was deeply honored to pin Brendan’s badge to his chest.
In the twelve years since, our lives have taken turns we never could have imagined. We’ve become Pop Pop and Nana to four incredible grandchildren. If you had asked us back then what life would look like after losing Kevin, we could never have pictured a home filled with rambunctious play, bedtime stories, babysitting, and watching Bobby (Amanda) and Maddie (Wyatt) become loving parents.
Kevin would’ve been the best uncle. We can picture him right in the middle of the chaos with Forrest, Gunnar, Violet, and Grady — wrestling on the floor, sneaking them treats, taking them to the beach, and making everyone laugh. It’s a gift to know your child so well that you can still feel him in the joy around you.
We know Kevin is watching over Bobby and Maddie as they raise these blessings. He loved his family and friends with everything he had — and he’ll always be remembered as a young man who answered a calling bigger than himself.
To our family, friends, board members, volunteers, sponsors, and donors — thank you. Your support of the Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association allows us to help others pursue their dreams in the fire service. Your commitment means more than words can say.
This holiday, raise a beer, cast a line, and crank up some country music — just the way Kevin would’ve wanted it.
At 4:42 p.m. on June 30, 2013, their final radio call went silent. Today, and always, we remember.
We miss you, Kevin. 💜🍻 ... See MoreSee Less
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Hugs to all involved.
Congratulations family
What a beautiful tribute to Kevin… and the Woyjeck family! Love you!
What a wonderful and heartwarming post. I and the entire firefighting family have been on this journey with the Woyjeck family and very much appreciate the update and send heartfelt holiday wishes 🤗
So happy to see all the beautiful smiles.
So happy you guys have grandkids they are the sweetest
Beautiful tribute to Kevin
I was on shift that day just as today. Thought about you guys throughout the afternoon. So happy for the blessings Bobby and Maddie have brought to you and Anna.
😔
Can’t believe it’s been 12 years ago. I remember vividly picking up you and Maddy bringing them to the FDNY event at Coney Island and having the pleasure of escorting you two around NYC. It’s wonderful to see the smiling faces so full of love and laughter. Prayers sent your way.
Beautiful tribute 🤗
How beautifully said. 💔❤️
Wonderful‼️
Kevin taught my daughter how to drive a stick shift. He was such an amazing young man. I loved our coffee at Bogarts talks. My daughter wrote a story for a college class about the last night they were together the night before he left for Arizona. It made me cry and still brings tears to my eyes thinking about it. He was such a special person.
So much BLESSINGS andLOVE! 🤗❤️
Beautiful family! Beautiful memories!
Always, everyday, in my heart.
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6/14/2025
I attended the LA County Fire Explorer Muster in the early afternoon and I had the honor of joining the graduation ceremony for El Camino Fire Academy Class 164in the morning.
(It was a busy day)
Kevin graduated from Class 134, and following his passing, the Academy established the Kevin Woyjeck Top Recruit Award in his memory. I was humbled to speak at the ceremony and present this year’s award to Recruit Giovanni Anzelmi.
Each training day, the recruits honor the 19 fallen Granite Mountain Hotshots by doing 19 pushups—a powerful reminder of their sacrifice.
Thank you to Chief Boies and the dedicated staff at El Camino Fire Academy for continuing to remember Kevin and his Hotshot brothers. ... See MoreSee Less
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I have seen a video of a recruit class doing the 19 pushups...and they are so full of vigor...I think this helps bring on some kind of brotherhood with Kevin and all the past firefighters...they go through so much to be firefighters....and it is a really rough job. I honor all the people who go through this training...and thank them so much..
6/14/2025
Today we had the honor of attending the Los Angeles County Fire Explorer Muster at the Department’s Headquarters Training Facility. The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Assn was able to support this event by providing lunch to the nearly 100 young men and women that took part in the day’s events where they showcased their skills, teamwork, and dedication.
The strong support from the department highlights its commitment to developing the next generation of firefighters.
Great job to all involved—we’re already looking forward to the next one!
Once again, we couldn’t do it without our supporters.
Thank you all. ... See MoreSee Less
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So awesome !!!
So many awesome things created from tragedy. His soul still here..I loved seeing the photos of you pinning Brendon. You are such an amazing father.
Such a great day for all of the explorers! My middle daughter is post 150s, thank you for doing so much good for these kids 💙💙
Outstanding
We’re proud to share that we are now supporting the Colton Fire Explorer Program!
The department requested uniforms and essential gear for their Explorers. They obtained a quote from Galls, which was submitted to our board for review and approval. Once approved, we paid Galls directly, and the order will be shipped straight from Galls to the Colton Fire Department.
This is how our process works: the department selects and requests what they need, the department provides us with a quote from the department’s vendor and provides us with the quote, our board reviews and if approved we will cover the cost and will pay the vendor directly, the vendor then ships directly to the requesting fire department, saving time and taking the financial pressure off young men and women working toward a future in public safety.
We’re honored to support these future first responders—and we couldn’t do it without your continued generosity.
Thank you! ... See MoreSee Less
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Nice picture.
This is how it's done. 👌
Awesome 👏
5/6/25
The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association is proud to announce the awarding of two partial educational scholarships at the Los Angeles County Paramedic Training Institute (PTI).
Both recipients are dedicated cadets with the Los Angeles City Fire Department, working hard toward becoming certified paramedics.
We’re honored to help ease some of the financial burden as these young men take on one of the most rigorous programs in emergency services.
We are making a difference—in this case two future first responders at a time.
Thank you all from our board for the support.
Joe Woyjeck,
Anna Woyjeck,
Sandy Wing,
Erin Stibal,
Justine Oyler,
LaFonda Riggins,
Marta Schaper,
#ParamedicTraining #FutureFirstResponders #FireCadets #KevinWoyjeckExplorers #SupportTheMission ... See MoreSee Less
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Thats such a good picture of you guys
Awesome. Great way of helping our youth achieve their goals. Such a meaningful program.
Dig this photo
Your Welcome ✝️🙏🏻
My son won Kevin's award this year. Opened our eyes to his story. Was very moving. We're going to take it all the way for you guys!! ❤️
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“$25,000… What a Day!”
Today we received a $25,000 donation to the “Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association”
These funds will help us continue supporting young fire explorers and cadets chasing their dream of becoming first responders.
Huge thanks to, “Lisa F.” for your continued support—your generosity changes lives.
We’re proud of how many future first responders we've helped, and excited for what’s ahead.
Thank you all for believing in our mission.
Explorersforlife.org
#FutureFirstResponders #FireCadets #SupportTheMission #KevinWoyjeckExplorers ... See MoreSee Less
explorersforlife.org
explorersforlife.org
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🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏
Thank you Lisa!!
Oh that is wonderful… Congratulations!
Receiving notes like this makes our day. We wish RJ the very best - and you’re right, Jesse, this photo speaks volumes!
“Hello. My name is Jessy Cole. I just wanted to write and thank you for the generous donations your foundation made to the Rapid City Fire Department (SD) to help with their cadet program.
My son, RJ, is a high school senior this year. He is finishing his second year with the program. This program changed the trajectory of his high school years and his future. The confidence, skill, and love of firefighting and serving his community that has grown over the last two years is incredible.
The impact of this program has impacted our entire family. My dad retired from the Rapid City Fire Department in 2002. Having the opportunity to share a career he loved with his grandson has also given my dad a new spark.
As a mom, I cannot thank the people involved in this program enough for the impact they have had on my son. I am including a picture of RJ and my dad at the end of year showcase from last year because their smiles speak volumes.
Thank you again.
Jessy Cole” ... See MoreSee Less
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Wonderful 🔥🔥🔥!!! Generation in the Fire Family are Priceless 🚒👩🚒👨🏻🚒🧑🚒