Listener Goal Empowers Mission to Honor First Responder Heroes Amid Growing Line-of-Duty Risks and Mental Health Crisis
The For Paul Foundation is proud to announce a purposeful 2026 listener goal for its advocacy podcast, “Echoes of Valor,” aiming to reach 5,000 dedicated listeners as part of its mission to honor, support, and educate communities about the vital roles of fire and emergency medical services personnel.
Hosted by Tony Ottaviani and Brandon Waldorff, “Echoes of Valor” delivers powerful narratives that celebrate the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of first responders. Each episode features intimate interviews with frontline responders and leading industry experts, offering listeners an in-depth look at the daily heroism and unwavering commitment these heroes demonstrate in protecting and serving their communities.
“Echoes of Valor represents our commitment to ensuring that the stories and sacrifices of our fire and EMS personnel, and other first responders, are heard and appreciated,” said Tony Ottaviani, podcast host and Foundation advocate. “By expanding our listener base to 5,000 people, we’re creating a broader platform to recognize their service, honor the legacy of those we’ve lost, support those still serving, and educate the public about the true impact of this profession on individuals, families, and communities.”
The podcast arrives at a critical time for the first responder community. Each year, firefighters experience an average of 80–100 line-of-duty deaths, while EMS providers account for approximately 25–30 line-of-duty deaths. Beyond fatal incidents, tens of thousands of first responders are injured annually due to vehicle crashes, lifting injuries, fires, assaults, and aviation-related incidents. Most alarming, 20–30% of first responders experience symptoms consistent with PTSD, with depression, anxiety, and burnout occurring at rates significantly higher than the general population. Despite these realities, mental health challenges remain underrecognized, particularly for EMS and air medical professionals—a critical gap that The For Paul Foundation is working to address.
The Foundation invites the public to tune in to “Echoes of Valor” and join the growing community of listeners discovering the powerful stories that define the courage and commitment of fire, EMS, air medical, and first responder heroes. “Echoes of Valor” is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Listen to Honoring First Responders: The Mission Behind Echoes of Valor on iTunes or Spotify.
About The For Paul Foundation
The For Paul Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit honoring Critical Care Flight Paramedic Paul Besaw’s legacy by supporting first responders—fire, EMS, ambulance personnel, and medical flight services—and their families through education, advocacy, scholarships, and community engagement initiatives. The Foundation provides critical support to families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty while working to ensure first responders are recognized and their needs are met at the local and national levels.
For more information or to become a sponsor, visit www.theforpaulfoundation.org or call 1-844-LODD-911 (844-563-3911).
