Guardian First Responders, a 501(c)3 non-profit founded by the founders of Guardian Training & Consulting, raises money every year for the annual First Responders Christmas Tree that lends vital support to law enforcement officers, military members and first responders.

The tree is displayed on the Avenue of the Fountains in Fountain Hills throughout the holiday season.

After the 2023 tree was lit at the town’s festive Stroll in the Glow celebration on Dec. 2, Guardian founders Karen and Josh Logan expressed their appreciation for the community support that made this year’s display possible.

“We could not have done this without a sizable, generous donation of more than $7,000 from the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce, which named us the beneficiary of the Fountain Hills Young Community’s Annual Charity Golf Scramble that was held in September,” Karen Logan said. “That, along with a $1,000 donation from Mike and Julie Jones, who is a former Milwaukee police officer, provided a tremendous kickoff to our fundraising efforts not only for the First Responders Christmas Tree but to offer remaining funds to the Under the Shield Foundation, which assists first responders in crisis and their families.”

Thanks also were given to all other donors including Bob Scarpetti, Dave Peterson, Gerry and Barbara Friedel, Jay Schlum, Alissa Valentin, James Miller, Kathy Morgan, Dr. Chris and Ally Condon, 3 Cats, Pam Nabers, Michael Walsh, Dominic Cirone, Frank and Joanne Colella, Rita Brown, Calvin Grout, Al and Debbie Romano and Karen Schager.

The Under the Shield Foundation was established to meet the unique needs of law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical service, military personnel and their family members by providing support through confidential services, education and public awareness about the impacts of suicide, alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence, divorce, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Josh Logan said.

Under the Shield has worked with thousands of individuals and their families to provide peer support, stress coaching and other resources to improve mental wellness for those who need assistance.

To learn more, visit guardiantrainingandconsulting.org/guardian-first-responders or follow Guardian First Responders on Facebook.