Katherine Rose-Brownell, J.D.
Trust Officer
Your legacy deserves a plan. Here is where to start.
Estate planning goes beyond writing a will. It means protecting your home, your pension and your loved ones while reducing the costs and delays of probate. We provide education, guidance and professional fiduciary services to support firefighters and their families plan with clarity and confidence at every stage of the journey.
Why work with a Firefighters First trust officer.
Start with a conversation.
Our Trust Officers work directly with firefighters and their families to explain how estate planning works, offering guidance, education, and tailored strategies based on your unique circumstances. Their goal is to provide clarity before any decisions are made, so you can move forward with confidence. Consultations are complimentary and confidential.
Professional trustee and executor services.
Our Trust Officers can help determine when professional trustee services may support your wishes over time and connect you with the right professionals to achieve your overall financial and estate planning goals.
Meet the Trust Officers who will guide you.
Estate planning helps ensure your wishes for health, finances, and legacy are followed. It’s important for every firefighter and their loved ones. Our Trust Officers provide clear guidance, education, and trust services for the Fire Family.
Claudia Carr, J.D.
Trust Officer
How the process works.
Four straightforward steps from your first conversation to a plan that protects your family and your legacy.
Schedule a Meeting.
Meet with a Trust Officer to talk through your goals and options.
Get Your Guidance.
Your Trust Officer provides resources and a roadmap tailored to your needs.
Complete Your Plan.
Work through your estate plan at your own pace with support along the way.
Stay Connected.
Reach out to your Trust Officer anytime as your situation changes over time.
Professional Trustee Services
The right trustee makes all the difference.
Choosing who will carry out your estate plan is one of the most important decisions you can make. A trustee or executor manages tax filings, property valuations and beneficiary distributions, often without oversight. We can serve as a primary trustee, successor, co-trustee or executor, providing experienced, impartial oversight that honors your wishes and reduces the burden on your family.
Legacy & Estate seminars built for the Fire Family.
Join our Trust Officers for upcoming workshops, seminars and information sessions designed to help you plan with confidence for what comes next.
No events at this time. Please check back later.
Everything you need to know about legacy & estate.
When should I start estate planning?
There is no better time than now to start your estate plan. This is especially true if you are married, own a home, or have a child. For firefighters, it is also important to ensure survivor benefits and pension decisions are properly coordinated.
Do you prepare estate-planning documents?
We do not draft estate planning documents or offer legal advice. We educate members about their specific options. We provide attorney referrals and guidance on what to expect when meeting with an attorney. Being prepared can save time, money and improve accuracy.
What does a professional executor or trustee do?
They are responsible for administering a trust or estate, paying debts and taxes, managing assets and distributing property according to the plan.
Can I name Firefighters First Credit Union as a successor trustee?
Yes. Many members name a spouse or relative as the primary trustee and appoint the Credit Union as a successor trustee to ensure professional support if circumstances change.
Legacy & Estate are provided through a partnership with Members Trust Company, a federal thrift regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Trust and investment products are not deposits of or guaranteed by Firefighters First Credit Union, are not insured by the NCUA or any government agency and may involve investment risk, including possible loss of principal. Tax Services and Insurance Services are affiliated entities. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.