Fire Department Coffee

Fire Department Coffee was founded by Luke Schneider, a Navy veteran and former Rockford firefighter and paramedic.[7][8] Schneider hired fellow firefighter Jason Patton as the company's vice president and made him a part-owner.[5] The brand launched its first roasting center in a local strip mall in 2016.[7]

In 2017, the company announced the Spirit Infused Coffee collection after developing it in 2016.[9]

Professional mixed martial artist and former UFC champion Stipe Miocic starred in a commercial for Fire Department Coffee in 2020.[10] The company released an “extra strength” coffee blend named after and endorsed by Miocic in 2020.[11][12]

In January 2021, the company purchased the Al Grace Appliance building in Rockford to use as its international distribution center.[13] Fire Department Coffee also purchased a building to use as its first café location in the 900 block of W. Riverside Blvd in 2022.[14]

They launched a line of ready to drink coffees in October 2022.[15][16]

Fire Department Coffee is certified as a veteran-owned business by the National Veteran-Owned Business Association.[17][18] It is run by active and retired firefighters.[19]

Fire Department Coffee also produces coffee infused with spirits such as rum, tequila, whisky, and bourbon.[6][20][16] Its local and national distribution partners and resellers include Meijer,[21] Albertsons,[22] and Candy Cloud.[23]

Through its affiliated non-profit organization, the Fire Department Coffee Charitable Foundation, Fire Department Coffee donates a portion of proceeds to provide aid for sick and injured first responders.[13][24]