Seattle's Bravest Charity was created after the 1995 fire deaths of four Seattle Firefighters at the Pang Warehouse Arson. Due to the overwhelming generosity of the community, over $500,000 was donated to care for fallen fire fighter’s families that were left behind.

Originally known as "Seattle Fire Fighter's Benevolent Association," it has since grown into an organization with a broad scope, capable of providing support to our community and entities within the Seattle Fire Department.

Over the years we have helped victims of fire, founded a Home Rescue Program aimed at helping the elderly, donated hundreds of bike helmets to children in need, managed a scholarship fund for the children and relatives of Seattle Fire Fighters. We have also raised money to build the Fire Fighter Memorial in Pioneer Square, as well as established the Walter Kilgore Honor Guard. The latter was made possible with a generous donation from Mary Anne Kilgore, widow of Walter Kilgore, killed in the Pang arson.

Contributions can be mailed to: Seattle’s Bravest Charity 517 2nd Ave W Seattle, WA 98119 Tax EIN: 91-1674237

Contributions can also be made with PayPal:

A few ways you can help:

Walter Kilgore Honor Guard Mission
To represent Seattle Firefighters at memorial services for deceased Seattle Firefighters, active and retired. The Walter Kilgore Honor Guard will also present the National and State Colors at public events that require a Color Guard. Whenever possible, the Walter Kilgore Honor Guard will represent Seattle Firefighters at memorial services for line of duty deaths involving EMS workers throughout the nation.

Walter Kilgore Honor Guard History
Established June 2001 by Seattle’s Bravest through $50,000 donation by Mary Ann Kilgore, Walter Kilgore's widow. Through the work of Seattle’s Bravest Charity, the Walter Kilgore Honor Guard was equipped and on its feet. The original Walter Kilgore Honor Guard was established with 15 members. In recent years the unit’s strength has grown to 19.

The Seattle Firefighters Pipes & Drums (SFP&D) was formed in 2004 to honor fallen police and firefighters killed in the line of duty. The band is made up completely of career Seattle firefighters who volunteer their time and energy to honor the fallen with bagpipes and drums. This volunteer organization is funded on donations and paying gigs.

The tradition of bagpipes in the fire service dates back to the very first fire departments in the country who were made up mostly of Irish men who took the job out of pride but also because they couldn't find other work. Being a fireman back then was a dirty and dangerous job and no one wanted to do it. Faced with 'NINA' (No Irish Need Apply) signs for most other jobs, these men became policemen and firefighters. The bagpipes became synonymous with both professions due to the many funerals of these dangerous occupations.