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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The mother of fallen Jacksonville firefighter Michael Freeland has launched a nonprofit to honor his life and support young people in the community.
Freeland, 36, died in the line of duty last November while working to save a woman at the scene of a crash.
Freeland was born to a teenage mother in 1985. Despite the challenges they faced over the years, Freeland went on to graduate from college, enter the workforce and later serve his community as a JFRD firefighter.
The Mike Freeland Foundation will offer resources to teen mothers with sons, including parenting classes.
It will also assist in other areas, such as providing funds for college or fire school. On its website, the nonprofit says, ”We believe this nonprofit will help change the trajectory of these children’s lives, steering them away from crime but into a career that serves our community.”
There is also an Inaugural Memorial Celebration to honor Freeland’s life on Saturday, November 19 from 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters located at 625 Stockton Street. There will be music, food trucks and reflections from friends and family.
You can learn more about the foundation and the memorial celebration HERE.
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