Noelle Bryant-Nanz presents a grant check to the Western Lakes Fire District
From Grief to Grace
How the Bryant-Nanz family honors their loved one through a fund at the WCCF
In September of 2023, beloved son and first responder Noel W. Nanz died by suicide. Noel was a dedicated firefighter and EMT attending paramedic training at MATC and working for the Menomonee Falls Fire Department and Bell Ambulance.
Channeling their heartbreak into purpose, Noel’s family formed the Noel W Nanz Fund for First Responders at the Waukesha County Community Foundation. The fund supports first responders with grants toward mental health resources, lifesaving equipment and education.
Noelle Bryant-Nanz, Noel’s mother, says, “His loss is so crushing, but it helps to be able to give in his memory. It sustains us.”
You can help honor Noel’s memory by having open and honest conversations about mental health and sharing the resources available in our community.
Support grants for first responders with a gift to the Noel W. Nanz Fund for First Responders here.
If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. This National Suicide & Crisis Line connects callers to trained crisis counselors who can help.
