Robert Garland

Selected as one of Forbes Next 1000 and featured in countless media publications, Robert Garland makes it his priority to provide a trustworthy crowdfunding platform for those who serve across the nation. Since launching Fundthefirst.com, Robert and his team have helped thousands of people raise millions of dollars through numerous fundraising causes.

The inspiration for Fundthefirst.com came when Robert set out to help his close friend who was facing mounting medical expenses related to his daughter’s rare illness. As he researched the best ways to raise money, he realized his brothers and sisters in blue were skeptical of existing crowdfunding sites. It was then, Robert made the decision to build a better platform that all can trust.

Prior to founding Fundthefirst.com, Robert was a decorated Detective with the New York City Police Department where he specialized in complex narcotics investigations. During his 14 years in law enforcement, Robert worked in various roles which included joint interagency operations with the Department of Homeland Security and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Well respected in his field, Robert also served as an expert witness to the Office of Special Narcotics New York. Robert retired from the NYPD in 2022.

Prior to his career in law enforcement, philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors, Robert attended New York Institute of Technology where he majored in behavioral sciences and played outfield for their Division I baseball program. When he’s not helping those in need, Robert can be found spending time with his three children. Massapequa raised, Robert continues to be a fixture in the local community as a volunteer baseball coach and Director of Compliance for Massapequa Coast Little League. Robert also serves as the Chairman to the Fallen First Reserve non-profit organization, the host of Heroes First Podcast, Technology Consultant to a cryptocurrency company and he is a board member to numerous business and non-profit organizations.