Grant writer, consultant, and trainer extraordinaire. Lifelong public safety advocate. Veteran. Friend.
On Dec. 22, 2022, our beloved Kurt T. Bradley passed away peacefully after succumbing to complications from a stroke.
Whether serving in the US Air Force, working in the Lake Alfred Police Department, or assisting departments with grant applications, Kurt’s entire life and career was devoted to the betterment of our country, our communities, and America’s first responders and public safety agencies. After learning about the power of grants to help agencies bridge budget gaps, Kurt became a pioneer in the field of public safety grant writing.
“Kurt would give his all for the people in his life,” says Margaret Stark, Senior Grants Consultant and co-founder of First Responder Grants. “Good news or bad news, a word of encouragement or a forthright opinion, Kurt would always speak his mind and his heart. I still can’t believe I can’t pick up the phone and tell him what is going on or ask for his perspective.”
Throughout his career, Kurt assisted in the writing of approximately 6,000 grant applications. Whether traveling coast to coast or even visiting far-flung US territories such as Guam, Kurt’s tireless efforts helped public safety agencies nationwide secure over half a billion dollars in grant funding. Through equipment procured, personnel hired, or training secured, the grants departments received helped them better protect their personnel and their communities.
Kurt wasn’t just a consummate professional though. To his business partners and colleagues, he was a fun-loving friend. If you attended a training with Kurt, there’s a good chance you heard him crank out some karaoke tunes later. Kurt was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by many friends and family, including 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
We at First Responder Grants have known Kurt for decades. He’s been our colleague and our friend. Many an officer, chief, or other personnel member has been known to call Kurt “The Grantfather” for his ceaseless mission to help struggling departments successfully vie for public and private grants.
“Kurt would give his all for the people in his life.”
Margaret Stark, Co-Founder, First Responder Grants
Together, we grieve the passing of a man who loved his family, his work, and his country above all else. We also celebrate Kurt’s life. He lived to the fullest. He devoted himself to a mission he cared about. And he helped make hundreds of American communities safer places.
Kurt, there will never be another like you. We miss you. We are grateful for your legacy. And we will carry on your mission. Rest in peace, Grantfather. We’ll take it from here.
How to honor Kurt
Kurt’s family has requested that anyone that wants to memorialize Kurt make a donation to a first responder organization in his name.
First Responder Grants will be donating to the Gary Sinise Foundation, and you are welcome to make a donation there too: