The Kyle Walder memorial fund was established when FF-P Kyle Walder passed away unexpectedly while scuba diving on 05/04/25. Kyle developed PTSD as a FF-P from what he saw as a first responder. He was able to learn to cope with the PTSD through undergoing mental health therapy with trauma therapist Emily Barker and felt great benefit from this.

Kyle advocated frequently to his fellow FF brothers/ sisters to seek out mental health therapy to help reduce the negative impact PTSD from what they witnessed on shift. This fund was created in memory of what Kyle advocated to his fellow brothers/sisters at BFD to help encourage more of them to seek out care for their mental health.

Funds are distributed each time one of Kyle's FF brothers/ sisters has a therapy appointment following a new traumatic call with Kyle's therapist Emily Barker. The funds given are applied directly to their therapy session bill.

All funds from these memorial shirts will go to the Kyle Walder Memorial Fund so Kyle's brothers and sisters at BFD can continue to be supported when mental health therapy is needed as they serve the Bloomington, IL community selflessly with what they witness each shift. Artwork used with permission for these shirts by FF R. Batka.