Brent Tucker's two decades with the Green Berets and Delta Force span 13 combat deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Today, however, he is the humble owner of a coffee company. "When I left the military, I wasn't looking for another job," he recalls, "but my buddies were teaching SWAT teams across the country, and they asked for my help."
As Tucker trained first responders, he was blown away by the lack of funding. "I wasn't expecting mini-Delta Force teams with unlimited budgets. I went in with what I thought were realistic expectations and was completely underwhelmed. These are the officers showing up to school shootings, and they have virtually no training or budget! I started First Responder's Coffee Company (FRCC) to give the community a way to support these brave men and women."
First Responders Coffee is as good as the cause it supports
A purchase of FRCC’s signature blend is no sacrifice, even for baristas and coffee aficionados. Each bag contains 100% Arabica beans from Brazil roasted in small batches.
"The cause gets customers to give our blend a try," says Tucker. "Excellent coffee turns them into repeat customers."
Each bag of FRCC coffee displays the branch of first responders it supports, with 20% of retail profits funding desperately needed equipment, training, and mental health treatment for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS teams. The newest bag provides support for the brave dogs working with K9s United.
In addition to the funding for equipment, training, and mental health support, Tucker allocates another portion of his coffee sales toward a rotating special project. "Deputy Altmann lost his home during hurricane Ian," he explains. "This officer was saving other people as his own house flooded. Right now, he's battling insurance and, even if he wins, he'll lose tens of thousands. He's got a wife, nine kids, and three dogs — the whole thing breaks my heart. As soon as we cut his family a check, we'll find another project to support."
Real-life heroes deserve support
Tucker believes first responders are entitled to better support from their communities. In training police officers, he often accompanies them on their daily duties. More than anything else, he is amazed at how poorly they are treated and how patiently they respond.
"I'm not wired to do their job," admits Tucker. "Most of their day is spent with people who don't abide by the law, who don't respect their authority, or who may be emotionally unbalanced and may have a weapon. They endure that stress day in and day out. Only training, equipment, and mental health support can help them show up mentally prepared for this work."
Tucker also sees correlations between the backlash received by many Vietnam veterans of the 1960s and the criticism today’s law enforcement officers so frequently receive. "I worked under the highest levels of stress in the military, but police officers face even worse," he admits. "We've come a long way since Vietnam. I served two decades in the armed forces and never came home feeling unappreciated because I had the equipment and training I needed to do my job. Today's first responders, on the other hand, do not receive the respect or resources they deserve."
Supporting those who support their communities
Tucker has bags of coffee and a special place in his heart for EMTs. "Paramedics show up every day to someone's worst day," he says. "They see it all, and they can't save everyone. I called 911 when my baby was choking, and an EMT was there in seconds."
When people learn about Tucker's background, their most common question is why he supports first responders instead of the military. He sums it up by saying: "The Delta Force isn't coming to my home. Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics are protecting my family. When you and I need someone, we 100% expect first responders to show up and risk their lives. I launched FRCC to support these real-life heroes."
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