Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Pope.
Hi Steve, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Steve Pope, and I’m a 30-year veteran Firefighter Captain with the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the toll our profession takes on mental health. That’s why I launched Firefighter Golf — a social media movement focused on raising mental health awareness among firefighters and first responders.
I share my own story and how the game of golf became my sanctuary — a way to decompress, recalibrate, and connect with others who understand the weight of the job.
What started as a personal outlet quickly evolved into something bigger. In response to the overwhelming support, I founded the First Responder Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental wellness through the game of golf. We fund golf outings for first responders to foster fellowship, reduce isolation, and offer a positive outlet for stress.
Our mission is simple:
➡️ Raise awareness about mental health in first responder communities
➡️ Provide a healthy, restorative outlet through the game of golf
➡️ Build camaraderie and connection — because no one should carry the weight alone
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting the First Responder Golf Foundation hasn’t been a smooth road. In fact, the two hardest parts have been:
🔸 Raising funds – We operate as a grassroots nonprofit. Every dollar makes a difference, but it’s a constant uphill climb trying to secure support so we can get more first responders out on the golf course to decompress and connect.
🔸 Social media outreach – I’m not a marketing expert. I’m a firefighter. But I do my best to show up online, share my story, and bring awareness to the mental health struggles that many in our profession silently carry.
Still, I believe in this mission with everything I have. Golf saved me in a way. It gave me peace, a break, and a way to connect. Now, I want to share that with others who need it.
If you’re a first responder struggling in silence, or if you’re someone looking for a way to support those who serve, I invite you to be part of this movement.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most proud of being a firefighter, serving my community with dedication and courage. Through this role, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges that first responders face—physically, mentally, and emotionally. This experience inspired me to start a mission to raise awareness about the realities of our profession, and to advocate for the well-being of those who risk their lives every day to protect others. A calling you could say
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think the best quality to the success of the mission is to just be REAL. Being REAL is powerful, especially in a space like mental health where authenticity cuts through stigma better than any polished message ever could. When people see honesty, vulnerability, and lived experience, it becomes relatable. It creates safety, trust, and permission for others to open up too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.firstrespondergolf.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/firstrespondergolffoundation/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirefighterGolf
