ROCKFORD, IL, USA – Luke Schneider is the founder and CEO of Fire Department Coffee based in Rockford, IL. He is a U.S. Navy veteran that later became a firefighter for the city of Rockford. Knowing how important it is to stay ready and alert combined with a passion to make great-tasting coffee, Schneider started Fire Department Coffee in 2016.
Fire Department Coffee is run by active and retired firefighters.
We talked with the company about its history, its mission, its business model and its product range.
First of all, how did the idea of a company of veteran roasters come about?
Fire Department Coffee’s CEO, Luke Schneider, first started drinking coffee to stay awake while working long hours and long shifts for the US Navy. Coffee became a necessity and it continued to be after he began working for the Rockford, Illinois Fire Department upon leaving the Navy.
That necessity quickly became a hobby and in July 2016, Schneider started his own coffee company inspired by the vital role that coffee plays in helping firefighters stay alert and energized through long shifts.
Retirees feed the still-active firefighters with a good dose of caffeine: which coffees do they usually prefer to face the fire, weather or earthquake with the right charge?
We find that a lot of firefighters prefer the Original Medium Roast Coffee which is where it all started for Fire Department Coffee. Our Original Medium Roast is just a good cup of coffee and will give you the jolt of energy you need.
What exactly are spirit infused coffees?
Our Spirit Infused Line of coffees go through a process where the green coffee is infused with the spirit and then the coffee is roasted. During this time, the alcohol roasts off (similar to cooking with alcohol), leaving a distinct aroma and flavor but no alcohol content.
You offer different degrees of roasting: light, medium, dark and then… espresso. What’s the difference?
Each of our coffee is roasted to different desired end temps. The Light being finished at a lower temperature than the Medium, and our medium being finished at a lower temp than our Dark which roasted to the highest temperature we roast any coffee.
The packaging is also bold: what is the story behind such a distinctive design?
Our Fire Department Coffee packaging is inspired by the industrial elements commonly found on fire trucks and fire stations. From our Maltese cross logo and the bold, red color, to the diamond plating pattern, our design aesthetic is authentically derived from our roots in the fire service.
Where do you get your green coffee from? Do you have direct collaborations with farmers?
We get our coffee from around the world, and we have a Coffee of the Month Club that allows us to highlight the specific coffee from specific farms and tell the story of the farmers and the details about how the coffee is grown and processed.
Your coffee also has a social impact: part of the proceeds go to people with disabilities. How does this work?
The Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization supporting groups that help firefighters and first responders who are injured on the job, mentally or physically, or who are facing other serious health challenges.
Was your CEO Luke Schneider actively working during the pandemic?
Fire Department Coffee’s CEO Luke Schneider continued to work as a firefighter and CEO of FDC during the COVID-19 pandemic
Was your company open for business during the pandemic?
The company was able to stay open for the entirety of the pandemic.
Where can one buy your coffee?
You can buy Fire Department Coffee online at firedeptcoffee.com
What future projects await the Fire Dept. Coffee?
We are working on some new coffee that we will be releasing soon. You can visit our website and sign up for our newsletter for updates.
Fire Department Coffee Fact Sheet
Background
Fire Department Coffee based in Rockford, IL. The company is run by active and retired firefighters.
The Foundation
- Fire Department Coffee also supports fellow first responders in need through the Fire Department Coffee Foundation.
- The foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization supporting groups that help firefighters and first responders who are injured on the job, mentally or physically, or who are facing other serious health challenges.
Collection
Fire Department Coffee has a variety of medium roasts, dark roasts, donut shop coffees, espressos, decaffeinated coffees, and more — including our signature line of spirit-infused coffees such as Bourbon, Rum, Tequila, and Irish Whiskey. Plus, customers enjoy the Coffee of the Month Club, and Spirit Infused Coffee Club.
Headquarters/Contact
811 W. Riverside Blvd. Rockford, Il 61103
Social Media/Web
firedeptcoffee.com
@firedeptcoffee – Instagram
@firedeptcoffee – Twitter
@firedeptcoffee – Facebook
