BOARDMAN — Vanessa Livi and Jason Stanford visited the Boardman main fire station on Market Street Wednesday morning to present a special check from a newly established organization, Frontline to Field. The donation marks the organization’s first contribution, which is aimed at assisting local firefighters with mental health challenges.
“We started the organization in October 2024,” said Livi, the executive director. “This is our very first donation, and we wanted it to go to the Boardman Fire Department, as we live here in Boardman.”
The idea for Frontline to Field stemmed from Livi’s meeting with Stanford while she was living in Florida, where her father served at an Air Force base in Tampa. The two connected during a veteran’s golf outing and discovered they shared a passion for supporting military personnel and first responders.
“It is near and dear to my heart to support those who protect us every day,” Livi said. “Both Jason and I have soft spots for our military, police, and firefighters.”
After relocating to Boardman, Livi and Stanford founded the charity, focusing on raising funds to support first responders. Their most recent fundraising event, a paint-and-sip at Steel Valley Brew Works at Southern Park Mall on March 1, helped raise $2,500 for the Boardman Professional Firefighters Local 1176.
The funds will be allocated to a new initiative designed to support firefighters dealing with mental health challenges caused by the stresses of their job.
“This check will go into a fund created to assist our crew members who may need help in dealing with mental issues,” said Brian Hallquist, President of Local 1176. “We have a younger group going on calls who see things they shouldn’t at such a young age.”
Hallquist explained that the nature of the job can be emotionally taxing, particularly for younger firefighters who may encounter traumatic situations. However, local mental health resources for first responders are limited, making it difficult to access necessary support.
“There are not a lot of services in this area that offer mental health support for first responders,” he said. “This fund will help cover treatment co-pays and traveling expenses if they have to go outside the county for help.”
The Boardman Fire Department currently employs 38 full-time firefighters, who work 24-hour shifts followed by 48 hours off, totaling an average workweek of 56 hours. Last year, the department responded to over 5,600 calls—approximately 16 calls per day—for fires, medical assistance, vehicle crashes, and other emergencies.
The stress on the department was evident on Wednesday, when two rescue trucks were dispatched to separate calls immediately following the donation presentation. Hallquist noted that this kind of constant pressure contributes to the mental toll on first responders.
Livi and Stanford expressed satisfaction with the impact their donation will have on the department. Stanford, who spoke to the Boardman crew, also shared plans for future initiatives, including potential fun events for first responders, such as police versus fire bowling matches or pickleball tournaments.
Additionally, Stanford outlined the charity’s future goals, including scholarships for inner-city youth, an equine therapy program, and a mentorship initiative pairing veterans with local athletes.
“This July, we are having a golf outing at Little Mountain Country Club to raise funds,” Stanford said. “Our goal for 2025 is to raise $100,000.”
The organization also has branches in Arizona and Colorado, with funds raised in these areas designated to support local veterans, military personnel, and first responders. Boardman remains the charity’s headquarters.
