Our Story
Honoring a Life of Courage, Faith and Service
The Rise & Respond Foundation was established in response to the selfless service and sacrifice demonstrated daily by first responders who put their lives on the line to protect and serve. Rooted in compassion, Gospel-centered hope, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, our mission is to honor those who serve with courage and integrity while uplifting individuals and families affected by tragedy through faith-driven support and care.
Our foundation exists to ensure that the brave men and women who face danger to keep others safe are never forgotten—and that their families and communities receive the care, encouragement, and resources they need in the face of unimaginable loss. We recognize that behind every badge is a story of faith, service, and sacrifice—and we are committed to carrying those stories forward with dignity and purpose.
Through acts of remembrance, outreach, and scholarship, the Rise & Respond Foundation seeks to be a light in the darkness—supporting those who serve, empowering the next generation, and reflecting the love of Christ in everything we do.
A Vision Inspired by a Life Well-Lived
Born out of faith, compassion, and a calling to serve, the Rise & Respond Foundation was created to honor the sacrifice of first responders and to reflect the values of courage, integrity, and Christ-centered service. Our vision is to build a community where those who serve are uplifted, burdens are met with grace, and future leaders are empowered to lead with unwavering faith and purpose. Every life we touch is a testament to the power of selfless service and the transforming hope of the Gospel.
A Mission to Honor and Uplift
Our mission is to carry forward Tobin’s example through two key areas of impact:
- Supporting Wounded Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Other First Responders & Their Families The Rise & Respond Foundation provides financial assistance, essential resources, and spiritual care to first responders injured in the line of duty and to the families who stand behind them. Our goal is to be a source of hope, healing, and honor for those who risk their lives to protect others.
- Empowering Future Christian and Law Enforcement Leaders Through Education We offer scholarships to students enrolled in accredited and committee-approved Christian Bible Colleges and Universities, as well as to those pursuing law enforcement technical certificates or degrees from accredited institutions. By supporting students called to ministry, missions, Christian leadership, or public service, we invest in a generation committed to serving with faith, integrity, and purpose.
A Foundation of Faith
Guided by our Statement of Faith, we believe in the authority of God’s Word, the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. We affirm that every person is created in the image of God and called to serve others in love. At the heart of the Rise & Respond Foundation is a commitment to live boldly in the hope of the Gospel. We are inspired by those who serve selflessly, lead with joy, and bear witness to Christ through compassion, courage, and unwavering faith.
Continuing the Legacy
The Rise & Respond Foundation is more than a nonprofit—it is a ministry of remembrance, a mission of compassion, and a declaration of faith. Through every donation given, every scholarship awarded, and every act of support offered to first responder families, a legacy of service and sacrifice lives on.
We are committed to glorifying God through lives transformed, hope restored, and a nation reminded of the power of sacrificial love. As others have served boldly and selflessly, so we now serve—empowered by the same Gospel that calls us to love without fear.
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13 ESV
This is our story. This is our purpose. This is our calling.