Plymouth Firefighters launch local chapter of Project Fire Buddies

Monday, June 22, 2026 at 1:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

Plymouth's bravest are taking their community commitment beyond the firehouse. Plymouth Firefighters have officially formed a local chapter of Project Fire Buddies, a national non-profit organization that pairs firefighters with critically or terminally ill children to bring them joy, comfort, and companionship during some of the most difficult times of their young lives.

The effort has already earned formal recognition from city leadership. Earlier this month, the Plymouth Common Council passed a resolution in support of Project Fire Buddies, which was signed by Mayor Listenberger.

Founded in 2016, Project Fire Buddies was built on a simple but powerful belief — that no child should fight a critical illness alone. Since its founding, the organization has grown into one of the largest non-profits in the world, with new chapters forming every day across the country and beyond.

Local chapters connect firefighters with a "Fire Buddy" in their community, building genuine, personal relationships with children battling serious illnesses. The program delivers visible, tangible moments of happiness in ways that only firefighters can.

Home visits often arrive with a full firehouse flair — fire vehicles rolling up with flashing lights and sirens, turning what could be just another difficult day into an event the child won't forget. Firefighters deliver gifts for birthdays and holidays, offer tickets to special events, and show up to celebrate milestones that matter. Children are also invited to the fire station for tours, meals, and an up-close look at the trucks.

Beyond the fun, Project Fire Buddies chapters have stepped in to help families obtain essential medical equipment and supplies that might otherwise be out of reach.

Plymouth Firefighters have fully embraced the organization's motto: "Real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles." The local chapter is committed to identifying and supporting children within the Plymouth community who are facing critical illnesses, ensuring they know they are not alone in their fight.

Those interested in learning more about Project Fire Buddies or supporting the Plymouth chapter are encouraged to reach out to the Plymouth Fire Department.