The Colorado State Fire Fighters Foundation -
Supporting Colorado’s Firefighters is Our Top Priority
Since our establishment in 2016, the CSFFF, a proud 501(c)(3) organization, has supported critical training initiatives and provided compassionate assistance to Colorado Firefighters and their families in times of need.
Dollars Raised in 2025: $234,812
Hours of Training Sponsored: 1,506
Dollars Spent on Training:
Local: $1,000
State: $5,100
Regional: $5,100
CSFFA Fire College: $40,000
Firefighter and Family Support: Firefighter Death Benefit: $1,000 Firefighter Medical: $2,000 Firefighter Assistance: $1,000
Understanding Our Fundraising Partnership with PB Entertainment
To effectively raise the funds necessary to support vital firefighter training initiatives and provide assistance to firefighters and their families in times of need, the Colorado State Fire Fighters Foundation partners with a professional fundraising company, PB Entertainment.
This is a common practice for many non-profit organizations seeking to reach a broad audience and generate consistent revenue.
It's important to understand the financial structure involved in this type of fundraising. When PB Entertainment conducts telemarketing on our behalf, the gross donations received are distributed according to an agreed-upon model. Typically, the Foundation receives approximately 29% of the funds raised, while the remaining 71% covers PB Entertainment's operational costs.
While a 23% net return might seem modest compared to the gross amount raised, it's crucial to recognize that the alternative – relying solely on volunteer efforts or direct mail – often yields significantly lower overall fundraising totals and can have its own associated costs.
These costs are significant and encompass various essential aspects of their fundraising efforts, including:
- Call Center Operations: This includes the infrastructure, technology, and staffing required to make a high volume of calls.
- Personnel Expenses: Salaries, benefits, and training for the fundraising professionals who contact potential donors.
- List Acquisition and Management: The cost of obtaining and maintaining accurate lists of individuals to contact.
- Compliance and Regulatory Costs: Ensuring adherence to all applicable state and federal regulations governing telemarketing and charitable solicitations.
- Overhead and Administrative Expenses: Standard business operating costs such as office space, utilities, and administrative support.
While a 23% net return might seem modest compared to the gross amount raised, it's crucial to recognize that the alternative – relying solely on volunteer efforts or direct mail – often yields significantly lower overall fundraising totals and can have its own associated costs.
Partnering with a professional firm like PB Entertainment allows us to reach a wider donor base and generate a consistent stream of revenue that directly supports our core mission of:
Funding essential hands-on and classroom training for firefighters and first responders.
Providing critical financial and emotional support to firefighters facing hardship due to illness, injury, or line-of-duty death, and their families.
We understand that questions may arise regarding the allocation of these funds, and we are committed to transparency in our fundraising practices.
This partnership with PB Entertainment is a strategic decision that enables us to maximize our reach and ultimately provide greater support to the Colorado fire service.
The net proceeds we receive are carefully managed and directly applied to the programs that benefit our firefighters and their families
Meet the Board of Directors
Ryan Haynie - President
President Ryan Haynie is a 22-year veteran of the fire service. He is a member of the Del Norte Fire Department in Del Norte, Colorado. Ryan currently is the secretary of the department and has served in that capacity for 12 years.
Ryan is very active in his community having worked as an EMT for 12 years as well as serving on the local school board for 8 years (2012-2019). Ryan is the President of the San Luis Valley Hazardous Substance Board. Ryan also officiates high school football and basketball. Ryan owns his own produce brokerage company with his father selling potatoes, onions, pinto beans, and rice to customers in the United States as well as Mexico.
Ryan represents the Colorado State Fire Fighters Association on the Colorado Fire Commission working on the Recruitment and Retention committee and is President of the Colorado State Fire Fighters Foundation.
Ryan and his wife Tammy have 3 children: Preston (21), Kayleigh (17) and Blain (9). In his spare time Ryan enjoys going to the lake with his family on their boat as well as playing golf.
Josh Bobb - Vice President
Vice President President Bobb has served in the fire service for 23 years, beginning in October 2002 after graduating from Doane University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Medicine and Sociology. Shortly after graduation, he joined the Wheat Ridge Fire Department, where he served for 13 years as both a volunteer and career firefighter/EMT. He has been a reserve firefighter/EMT with the South Adams County Fire Department for the past 12 years.
Vice President Bobb served on the Executive Board for the Colorado State Fire Fighters Association (CSFFA) from 2012 to 2022, serving as its president from 2016 to 2021. He is proud to return to the role of president for the 2024-2025 term, making him the longest-tenured president in the organization's history.
President Bobb was instrumental in founding the Colorado State Fire Fighter's Foundation (CSFFF), a 501(c)(3) organization that shares the CSFFA's values and mission of representing all Colorado firefighters, both career and volunteer. Since its founding in 2016, the CSFFF has provided funding for training and firefighter assistance throughout the state. President Bobb was recently re-elected to the CSFFF Executive Board.
Outside of the fire service, President Bobb has been a safety professional for 20 years, currently holding a managerial title with a large construction firm. He is actively involved in and holds multiple leadership roles in professional organizations related to large commercial construction and the safety profession.
Secretary - Emily Knudsen
Emily Knudsen currently serves as the Secretary of the Colorado State Fire Fighters Foundation (CSFFF), bringing with her a deep-rooted passion for supporting Colorado’s fire service and a strong background in operations, logistics, and fire service training coordination.
Emily’s commitment to the fire service began early, growing up in a firefighting family and eventually stepping into a leadership role at Colorado Holmatro, where she serves
as Vice President of Operations. In this role, she oversees the statewide service division responsible for maintaining over 1,000 Holmatro rescue tools in departments across Colorado. Under her leadership, the service team ensures departments remain mission-ready through timely preventative maintenance, repairs, and equipment support—no matter how remote the location.
In addition to managing service logistics, she works closely with departments statewide to coordinate training, deliver new equipment, and ensure frontline responders are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
In her role as Secretary of CSFFF, Emily manages communication, record-keeping, and coordination for the Executive Board. She also plays an active role in Fire College planning, association events, and supporting training initiatives across the state.
Emily is passionate about advocating for both career and volunteer firefighters and ensuring CSFFF continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the Colorado fire service.
Outside of her professional roles, Emily lives in Colorado with her husband Scott—her partner of 14 years—and their three dogs.
When she’s not juggling fire service projectservice calls, spreadsheets, or dogs, you’ll likely find her on a paddle board, you will find her lost in a good book, or planning her next escape to the mountains or somewhere warm.
David Aagesen - Historian/Custodian
David Aagesen has been a dedicated member of the fire service since his election to the Yuma Fire Department on September 18, 1991.
He's served the Yuma Fire Department in several leadership roles, including Secretary in 1996, Treasurer from 2003 to 2005, Assistant Chief in 2005, and Chief in 2006 and 2007.
His commitment to the fire service extends beyond his local department. From 2015 to 2018, he served on the Tournament Committee for the Colorado State Fire Fighters Foundation (CSFFF). These tournaments, which combine rigorous fire training exercises with competitive events, provide valuable opportunities for firefighters to hone their skills and learn from one another.
In 2017, he was elected Historian of the CSFFA, founded in 1916, and continues to serve in that role, preserving and maintaining the rich history of Colorado's firefighting community.
In this capacity, he is responsible for the collection, preservation, and organization of historical records and artifacts related to the Colorado State Fire Fighters Association and its members, ensuring that the legacy of Colorado's firefighters is remembered and honored.
Chad Wettstein - Board Member
As a second generation Fire Fighter with Holyoke Volunteer Fire Department, and a volunteer with Merino Volunteer Fire Department since 2006, (Lieutenant since 2016) Chad proves to thrive wherever he goes.
He has been voted Firefighter of the Year in Marino three times, and brings a lot to the table!
Married to his wife Peg for over 20 years, they have created a beautiful family including three adult daughters as well as two grandsons and three granddaughters.
In his spare time, he enjoys wood working, motorcycle riding, hunting, target shooting, and sewing blankets for his family and friends. Chad has served as the Secretary for 10 years.
Byron Willems - Board Member
Byron Willems has dedicated over 40 years to the fire service, demonstrating unwavering commitment and leadership. His career has been marked by significant contributions to both the Colorado State Fire Fighters Foundation (CSFFF) and Craig Fire Rescue.
In 2006, Byron retired from Craig Fire Rescue after 23 years of distinguished service. However, his retirement was brief—within 30 minutes, he was elected to the board and soon after became President, a role he held for 10 years. His leadership helped shape the organization and further its mission.
Throughout his career, Byron was actively involved in the CSFFA. From 1990 to 1997, he served on the Tournament Competition Committee, later joining the Executive Board from 1997 to 2003, including terms as President and Past President. In 2017, he returned as Vice President, serving until 2022. Despite challenges within the Executive Board, he remained committed to strengthening the Foundation and ultimately returned to serve again.
Byron’s dedication extended beyond his own service. His late wife, Kim, was also deeply involved in the CSFFA, and in her honor, the association awards annual scholarships in her name. In addition to his fire service career, Byron is a successful entrepreneur. In 1991, he founded Craig Fire & Safety, now known as Colorado Holmatro, a leading provider of Holmatro rescue tools. Under his leadership, the company has grown significantly, supplying over 1,000 tools to fire departments across Colorado, including agencies ranging from Hugo Fire and Hot Sulphur Fire to larger departments such as Denver Fire, South Metro Fire, Mountain View Fire, and North Metro Fire. His daughter, Emily Knudsen, is set to take over operations, ensuring the company’s continued success.
Beyond his professional achievements, Byron also had a distinguished career as a high school wrestling official. Over 28 years, he officiated 18 state tournaments, including 12 state finals, and served as President of the wrestling officials group. His tenure included officiating at all three major state wrestling venues: the Denver Coliseum, McNichols Sports Arena, and the Pepsi Center.
In his spare time—let’s not kid ourselves, he doesn’t have any spare time—but he makes a point to enjoy occasional trips to Cabo. His life’s work stands as a testament to dedication, leadership, and service.
Jax - Fire Dog Extraordinaire - "Bored" Member
Jax proudly serves as the Official Mascot of the Colorado State Fire Fighters Foundation (CSFFF), a role he takes very seriously, especially when it involves snacks or squeaky toys.
A Malinois-Shepherd mix with a big personality and even bigger energy, Jax is best known for his relentless pursuit of balls, frisbees, and anyone willing to play tug-of-war.
When he is not chasing toys or removing squeakers from absolutely everything, you can find him digging in the dirt, lounging on the nearest air conditioning vent, or napping through important board meetings.
Though he occasionally exercises his right to “expressive communication” (aka playful biting), Jax brings enthusiasm, chaos, and unconditional loyalty to the CSFFF family. He is a firm believer in second breakfast, belly rubs, and supporting Colorado firefighters—preferably from the comfort of a cool floor.
The Difference You are Making:
Every dollar you contribute impacts the training our firefighters receive and the support we can offer their families during their most challenging times. Your generosity is the engine that drives our ability to provide essential resources and ensure the well-being of those who risk everything for our communities.
