The Veterans & First Responders Foundation (VFR Foundation) hosted its Fourth Annual Golf Outing at Canterbury Golf Club in Beachwood on Monday, Sept. 15. The event brought together golfers, community leaders, and supporters to honor the dedication and sacrifice of first responders with a day filled with camaraderie, competition, and philanthropy.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to come together and honor our first responders for all they do for us,” says VFR Foundation president and founder Dave Knott. “These responders put their lives on the line each and every day, so it’s important for us to show our support and give back however we can.”

Proceeds from the outing will support more than 11 VFR Foundation initiatives that are designed to help first responders and their families during times of need. Programs include Howling Heroes, Resilient Responders, and the Critical Incident Reboot Program, each addressing challenges ranging from mental health support to resources for families navigating crises.

A highlight of the golf outing was the appearance of K-9 Chinook, the all-purpose police dog serving in honor of fallen Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin.

Financed through the Foundation’s Howling Heroes program, Chinook embodies both Jacob’s legacy and VFR’s mission to make a lasting impact. “Jacob always wanted to become a K-9 officer, so we’re proud his memory lives on through Chinook and [his handler,] Officer Jeremy [ Puszakowski,]” Knott shared.

The outing featured a dazzling skydiving display from six divers and a showcase of more than 30 first responder vehicles—from fire ladder trucks and ambulances to police cruisers, military vehicles, and patriotic custom cars. The sights underscored the theme of the day: community, service, and gratitude.