Providing support for active and retired first responders.

Retired first responders experience serious health risks from years of stress they encountered while serving in the line of duty.

We work to address this issue by promoting social support among retirees with the goal of reducing risks to their mental health and improving quality of life through our Micro-grant Program.

Do you have an idea that can help retired first responders?

First responder families and their children sacrifice so much so their loved ones can protect and serve. Supporting the children of first responders to meet their fullest potential is our honor.

We work to help children of first responders meet their fullest potential through The Bench Foundation Scholarship Program.

Are you a child of an active or retired first responder with college or trade school goals?

Seeking and accessing mental health support comes with stigma and financial burden for many of our active and retired first responders.

We work to reduce barriers to mental wellness by providing funding support for active and retired first responders to receive mental health treatment from providers that focus on first responder wellness.

Are you a first responder in need of wellness resources? Connect with our partners at the Oklahoma First Responder Wellness Division.

The line of duty death of Trooper Leon Bench of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in October of 1983 sparked a call to action among his family, friends, and former patrol partners to serve those who have served. Today, The Bench Foundation stands ready to give back to those who have selflessly served by supporting the wellness of first responders and their families.

Our Motivation