Patti Kukula receives Reverend McNeely Humanitarian Award from Detroit Fire Department

2025

The Detroit Fire Department (DFD) is proud to announce that Patti Kukula, Executive Director of the Detroit Public Safety Foundation, will be honored with the 2025 Reverend McNeely Humanitarian Award for her unwavering commitment to public safety and the well-being of Detroit’s first responders. The award – the third annual - was presented by Detroit Fire Department Executive Commissioner Charles Simms in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the department and the community.

Since taking the helm of the Detroit Public Safety Foundation (DPSF) in 2017, Kukula has transformed the organization into a powerhouse for public safety support, securing an average of $3 million annually in funding for critical initiatives. Her efforts have directly benefited the DFD through projects that provide essential resources, equipment, and educational outreach.

Patti Kukula receives Humanitarian Award pic1
Detroit Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms presents Patti Kukula, Executive Director of the Detroit Public Safety Foundation with DFD's third annual Reverend McNeely Humanitarian Award.

 

Key Contributions to the Detroit Fire Department:

  • Public Safety Enhancements: Helping to secure funding for outdoor AEDs as part of Detroit’s HEARTSafe Community initiative.
  • Event Safety Funding: Secured $47,500 for upcoming large-scale events in Detroit (2025).
  • Community Awareness: Led efforts to obtain $70,000 in funding for a fire safety public education campaign, including PSAs and radio ads (2023/2024).
  • Equipment Donations: Facilitated the donation of a $65,000 foam trailer for chemical fires (Soave Enterprises, 2018) and the purchase of a DFD Arson K9 (Detroit Dog Rescue, 2023).
  • Infrastructure & Training: Arranged funding for a Mobile Response Trailer for large-scale events (Penske, 2023) and helped secure $50,000 from Diversified Members Credit Union for firehouse improvements and EMS training tablets.
  • Youth Development: Advocated for grant funding to support the DFD Fire Cadet Academy, fostering the next generation of firefighters.
  • Annual Support: Helps organize and funds Fire Prevention Week and Halloween in the D, ensuring community engagement in fire safety awareness. Partners with DFD to host their (now annual) Professional Development Conference.
  • Honoring First Responders: Hosts Women in Blue and the Above & Beyond Awards Ceremony, celebrating the bravery and dedication of Detroit’s public safety professionals.
  • Facilities Support: Facilitated a kitchen renovation project in collaboration with Home Depot at Engine 17 in 2019.

“Patti Kukula is a true champion for the Detroit Fire Department, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our firefighters have the resources they need to serve the city safely and effectively,” said Executive Commissioner Charles Simms. “Her dedication is unmatched, and this award is a testament to her selfless service to public safety.”

Kukula’s leadership has played a pivotal role in securing resources not covered by the city’s budget, demonstrating her deep commitment to Detroit’s firefighters and emergency responders. "This recognition is truly an honor, but more than that, it reflects the incredible teamwork and dedication of those committed to keeping Detroit safe,” said Patti Kukula, Executive Director, Detroit Public Safety Foundation. “Supporting our first responders is a privilege, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community."

The Reverend McNeely Humanitarian Award is presented to individuals who exemplify compassion, dedication, and service to the community. Patti Kukula’s steadfast support of public safety has left a lasting impact, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor. Past recipients of the award are Chief Chaplain George Aren (2023) and DFD civilian photographer Bill Eisner (2024).