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Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 at 12 p.m.

Cincinnati Fire Department Partners with Karen Wellington Foundation to “Show Some Love” This Valentine’s Season

This Valentine’s season, the Cincinnati Fire Department (CFD) is sharing more than candy and flowers — it’s sharing encouragement, compassion, and hope.

On Thursday morning, CFD companies across the city took part in the CFD x Karen Wellington Foundation Show Some Love Card Signing, a heartfelt initiative designed to uplift individuals and families navigating breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Throughout the morning, companies were encouraged to stop by their District Houses to sign Valentine’s cards filled with messages of support and encouragement. Cincinnati Police Officers were also invited to join in the signing event. The cards were collected and distributed through the Karen Wellington Foundation (KWF), a nonprofit organization that provides care packages and comfort gifts to cancer-impacted individuals.

“While our mission is centered on emergency response and life safety, today is a reminder that service also means compassion, encouragement, and standing beside our community during life’s most difficult moments,” said Fire Chief Frank McKinley. “Breast cancer impacts families across our city, and we want those facing diagnosis and treatment to know they are not alone. By taking a few moments to sign a card, our firefighters and Cincinnati Police officers are sending a powerful message of hope, strength, and support.”

Founded in 2007, the Karen Wellington Foundation’s mission is to put fun back on the calendars of women and families living with breast cancer. A breast cancer diagnosis brings profound emotional, psychological, and practical challenges to families. Through special trips and joyful experiences, KWF helps achieve unforgettable moments of connection. To date, more than 4,000 recipients have said “YES” to KWF experiences.

“KWF's mission has always been to bring comfort and connection to those facing their hardest days during breast cancer treatment,” said Emma Hooi, KWF Events Manager. "Partnering with the Cincinnati Fire Department today shows how powerful simple acts of kindness can be in lifting the human spirit."

Through this partnership, CFD and KWF aim to remind those facing cancer that they are seen, supported, and surrounded by a community that cares — not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day.

Cincinnati Fire Department Mission Statement

"The mission of the Cincinnati Fire Department is to protect lives and property, and to minimize the suffering of its customers during emergencies. The Cincinnati Fire Department strives to quickly restore normalcy to its customers' lives by responding to their needs in an expeditious manner."

The Cincinnati Fire Department was organized in 1853 and is the nation's oldest fully paid professional fire department, which is why we are proud to be "First in the Nation."

The CFD continues to seek new methods and ideas to improve and increase the level of services provided to the citizens of this community. It will continue to provide its hallmark prompt, courteous and professional service that is consistent with the CFD’s tradition and the City of Cincinnati’s high standards.