The Detroit Fire Department has awarded Patti Kukula, the Executive Director of the Detroit Public Safety Foundation, with the prestigious 2025 Reverend McNeely Humanitarian Award. This accolade is in recognition of her significant impact on public safety and unwavering support for the city's first responders. The Detroit Fire Department relayed this announcement, identifying Kukula's assistance in providing critical resources and educational outreach to both the department and the community at large.
Kukula's tenure at the Detroit Public Safety Foundation since 2017 has seen the nonprofit's growth in leaps and bounds, averaging $3 million a year in funding. These funds are funneled into vital projects that bolster the operational readiness of the Detroit Fire Department. Securing outdoor AEDs for the HEARTSafe Community initiative and garnering $47,500 for large-scale events in 2025 are among her key accomplishments. Additionally, Kukula led a campaign that raised $70,000 for a fire safety education drive, which featured public service announcements and radio ads.
The Reverend McNeely Humanitarian Award, now in its third year, honors individuals who embody dedication and service to the Detroit community. "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," told Executive Commissioner Charles Simms, as per the City of Detroit. Kukula's efforts also led to equipment donations, such as a $65,000 foam trailer for chemical fires and the acquisition of a DFD Arson K9.
Apart from resource provision, Kukula has been instrumental in initiatives for the youth, such as the support for the DFD Fire Cadet Academy, and continuously honors the city's first responders through events like Women in Blue and the Above & Beyond Awards Ceremony. Facility upgrades haven't been overlooked, with a kitchen renovation at Engine 17 completed in partnership with Home Depot back in 2019. About her accolade, Kukula was quoted saying, "This recognition is truly an honor, but more than that, it reflects the incredible teamwork and dedication of those committed to keeping Detroit safe," according to the City of Detroit.
