The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association

Among the exhibits in the Los Angeles County Fire Museum is the buggy from the hotshot crew killed in a wildfire in Yarnell, Arizona in 2013. Their story was featured in the 2017 movie Only the Brave, starring Miles Teller and Josh Brolin. Another display has the props and costume used by actor Michael McNulty, who played firefighter Kevin Woyjeck. 

Woyjeck was one of the 19 men killed fighting the blaze. He was the 21-year-old son of retired Los Angeles County Fire Captain Joe Woyjeck and his wife, Anna. Joe is vice president of the Los Angeles County Fire Museum. In memory of their son, the Woyjecks started the Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association, a nonprofit with a mission to assist young men and women in the firefighting Explorer program with financial support and material donations. Fire Explorer programs provide young people 15–21 access to tools to pursue their career goals through shadowing real firefighters who volunteer their time to teach. This fosters a priceless hands-on learning environment.

Kevin’s Story

Kevin Woyjeck, following in his father’s footsteps, started in firefighting through the Los Angeles County Fire Explorer program at age 15. He was dedicated to being an Explorer and used the opportunity to help around the station, ride along on calls, and attend post meetings. He completed the El Camino Fire Academy and Cal Fire Wildland Academy and obtained his EMT certification.

In April 2013, at age 21, Woyjeck become a wildland firefighter and joined the Granite Mountain Hotshot crew in Prescott, Arizona, part of the Prescott Fire Department. On June 30, 2013 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, including Woyjeck, died in the line of duty defending the town of Yarnell from a massive wildfire. 

The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association was founded to help support Explorer programs like the one in which Kevin was involved. Since its inception the organization has disbursed hundreds of thousands of dollars to support Explorer posts with uniforms, turnout gear, training equipment, and more. 

To Donate

The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association is supported by charitable donations from individuals and businesses. It raises funds through private gifts, sponsorships, and an annual saltwater fishing tournament. It welcomes all support, including gift-in-kind donations. Learn more at http://explorersforlife.org/donate/. You can also apply there if your Explorer post needs funding. 

See also:

• The Medic Who Taught Johnny and Roy
• Restoration of the Chevy Ambulance From Emergency!
• An EMS History and Emergency! Tour Through the Los Angeles County Fire Museum