In Memory of Ty Westfall - Cofounder, Leader, and Friend

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our cofounder and Chief Operations Officer, Ty Westfall, who we lost to a sudden cardiac event this week.

A Life of Service and Impact

Ty was more than a partner in building First Class Responder—he was the heart of it. His steady hand, practical wisdom, and relentless work ethic shaped how FCR operates every single day.

As the Director of his local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Ty lived the mission of Equip – Educate – Enable. He trained, mentored, and motivated volunteers to be ready when their communities needed them most. His leadership was marked by humility, calm under pressure, and a quiet determination to make things better for everyone around him.

The Backbone of Our Operations

Ty was instrumental in designing and managing the systems that keep FCR running. From warehouse layout to product packaging, shipping workflows, and inventory management, his precision and foresight built the foundation for our fulfillment and logistics operations.

He didn’t just move products—he built processes. He made sure that when responders needed gear, it was delivered efficiently, accurately, and with the quality he demanded of himself and everyone around him. The reliability our customers trust today exists because of Ty’s dedication to doing things the right way, every time.

A Legacy That Lives On

Ty was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, community leader, and dear friend. He was a craftsman at heart—someone who took pride in his work and in the people he worked beside. Those who knew him will remember his warmth, his integrity, and his unwavering commitment to service.

His influence lives on in every shipment that leaves our doors, every responder who trusts our gear, and every person he inspired to give their best for others.

Forever in Our Hearts

Ty’s absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his legacy lights the path forward. We honor him by continuing the work he loved—serving responders and communities across the country with the same dedication, precision, and compassion that defined his life.

Rest easy, Ty. Your legacy endures in every mission, every order we deliver, every product we design, and every life you helped prepare.