What HEN Technologies’ new Foundation means for firefighter wellbeing

HEN Technologies launches HEN Foundation to strengthen firefighter safety

Initiative to empower US fire departments

HEN Technologies has announced the launch of the HEN Foundation, a nonprofit organisation aimed at supporting fire departments across the United States.

According to the company, the Foundation will provide equipment, resources and training designed to improve firefighter safety and operational effectiveness.

The initiative builds on HEN Technologies’ ongoing work in fire suppression and safety innovation.

Sunny Sethi, Chief Executive Officer of HEN Technologies, said that the Foundation marks the next step in the company’s commitment to those serving on the front line.

Board members bring decades of service experience

The HEN Foundation’s Board of Directors includes Ray McCormack, Frank Leeb and Tonya Hoover, all retired senior leaders from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA).

The company said their combined experience will guide the Foundation’s three strategic pillars of work – equipment, education and renewal.

Through its Equipment programme, the Foundation will supply National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-compliant gear to departments identified as needing safety upgrades.

Under the Education pillar, departments will have access to research-based, practical training focused on confidence and performance on the fireground.

Frank Leeb, national fire service leader and Foundation training advisor, said: “Education and training are essential for the fire service.

“It also allows us to provide world-class instruction to departments nationwide through the HEN Foundation, which is incredible.”

Supporting families through renewal

The Renewal pillar will provide funded retreats for the families of firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Each experience, including travel, lodging and meals, will be covered in full through Foundation funding.

Tonya Hoover, national fire service advocate, said: “Left behind with the loss of a fallen hero is a family whose world is forever changed.

“Renewal is our promise to help those families find peace, support, and space to work through the journey of healing.”

Funding and mission outlook

The Foundation is supported through donations from individuals and organisations committed to improving firefighter safety and community resilience.

According to The Wjo Foundation and the O’Neil family, an initial grant of $1.5 million will fund early programmes and outreach.

The donors said: “We are proud to make a $1,500,000 foundational grant to the HEN Foundation to help advance its mission of service and protection.

“We’re honoured to support the efforts of firefighters across America who work every day to make our communities safer.

“We believe in translating innovation into lifesaving impact and strengthening the resilience of communities everywhere.”

Ray McCormack, President of the HEN Foundation, said: “Now more than ever, the fire service needs access to safe, reliable and modern tools.

“We established the Foundation to ensure every department, regardless of size or budget, has the equipment and education necessary to protect their firefighters and the communities they serve.”

According to the Foundation, its goal is to equip, educate and renew the fire service so every firefighter and family can access the support they need both on and off the fireground.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The creation of the HEN Foundation offers practical value for fire chiefs, training officers and procurement managers across the United States.

Its Equipment programme could assist departments with limited budgets by providing NFPA-compliant gear and resources that meet national safety standards.

For training officers, the Education pillar introduces structured, research-informed instruction intended to enhance operational performance during emergency response.

The Renewal programme also addresses the long-term impact of firefighter fatalities, offering structured support to bereaved families within the fire service community.

These developments align with current efforts to reduce firefighter risk exposure while strengthening national preparedness through shared training and equipment access.