Volunteer Spotlight: Jana Stout, Red Helmets

Volunteer Spotlight: Jana Stout, Red Helmets

Published on February 03, 2026

Tell us little about yourself.

I serve as vice president of Red Helmets, where I volunteer to support first responders in simple but meaningful ways. By showing up with water, hydration packs, energy snacks, cooling towels or coffee on cold nights, I help make long and difficult shifts a little easier. Sometimes that support is tangible, and sometimes it's a conversation, a friendly smile or a hug at just the right moment. Every bit matters to our first responders.

Fun fact: I took piano lessons for years and faked my way through by playing entirely by ear. To this day, I still can't read sheet music.

How long have you been volunteering with Red Helmets?

This marks my 10th year volunteering with the Red Helmets. I found out about the Red Helmets from a friend whom we volunteered together for the Fort Worth Police Department, Citizens on Patrol.

What inspired you to start volunteering with them?

My mom was my role model for volunteering! She held many roles in the volunteer realm of the medical family while my father contributed from the physician side. Since moving back to Fort Worth, I wanted to get involved in my community and knowing the first responders have one of the toughest and most thankless jobs, I wanted to be a helping hand to contribute to their well-being on scene.

What's your favorite thing about the role?

My favorite part of volunteering is being a small part of a big impact - knowing that even small gestures can make a real difference.

What does a typical volunteer shift look like?

Well, there is never a "typical" shift. Once we are toned out, turn on our radios, listen to the scene chatter to prepare how we can support once on scene, it's game on. Once we arrive, our team runs like an oiled machine. Our canteen shows up, we unload our hydration coolers, set out our protein fuelings, and if it's summer have a dedicated cooling towel cooler. For those cooler evenings, we keep two to three pots of coffee brewing, have hot chocolate ready for the making and even walk the coffee to the chiefs, first responders, EMS, PD, etc. Our record for coffee was 13 pots. We also assist with ensuring residents connect with the onsite Red Cross representative. We have formed a great connection with the Red Cross organization as well. We provide support, from residential, commercial and apartment to grass fires. We have also been asked to provide support at funerals for both our FWFD and FWPD.

Describe your most memorable or impactful moment from your time as a Red Helmets volunteer.

We were called out to assist with the 133-vehicle pileup in February 2021. The way every department, business and community member stepped up to assist was just incredible. The respect that was shown for each victim that was extricated from the scene. The many prayers that were said. The moments of silence for those souls that were lost. You show up one person and 12 hours later leave a completely different person. In a tragic way, it brought everyone close, as we were there together as a single unit.

What motivates you to continue pursuing your volunteer mission?

Every single firefighter we encounter is SO appreciative for us to be there. They know we are volunteering, and I think it blows their mind that we get out of bed and drive sometimes an hour to get to the scene just to be there for THEM! They know that and appreciate it. Those handshakes and thank-yous go a long way, but we are one big family.

How has your volunteer work impacted your life or perspective?

Through volunteering, I've learned how powerful simple human connection can be. Supporting first responders has changed the way I view service - it's not about recognition or big moments, but about showing up consistently and offering care in whatever form is needed. That perspective has stayed with me well beyond my volunteer hours

What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering for Red Helmets?

Come join us!

What do you enjoy doing when you're not volunteering?

Outside of volunteering, I spend as much time as possible with my daughter and her family, soaking up moments with my 4-year-old grandson, Colton Winston, and 4-month-old granddaughter, Savanna Layne. When I'm not being a proud grandma, I'm usually cooking, working on home projects or fostering dogs and cats - because apparently, I don't know how to relax any other way.

Would you like to add anything else?

Even though you are asking me these specific questions, the Red Helmets would not survive without our incredible team. I want to acknowledge each and every member of the Red Helmets that also contribute to forgoing family time to volunteer alongside me.

Photo at top: Jana Stout, right. Below: The Red Helmets' canteen provides on-scene comfort and support.

• Volunteers