National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Overview

The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters and their families. Since 1992, the tax exempt, non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that honor our fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers.

The Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, registered as a corporation in the State of Maryland. The Foundation receives funding through private donations from individuals, organizations, and foundations. A grant from the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance supports programs for survivors of fallen firefighters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency partners with the Foundation to sponsor many of the National Memorial Weekend activities.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation honors America's fallen firefighters in many ways. Here are some of its major programs:

Annual National Memorial Weekend

Every October at the beginning of National Fire Prevention Week, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the weekend activities held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The Weekend features special programs for survivors and coworkers, as well as public ceremonies that receive extensive media coverage.

Helping survivors attend the Weekend

During the Weekend, family members participate in a daylong seminar conducted by trained grief counselors. The Foundation provides lodging and meals for immediate survivors and assists with travel expenses when needed.

Scholarships for surviving spouses and children

Spouses and children of fallen firefighters are eligible for scholarship assistance for education and job training.

Support programs for survivors and fire chiefs

When a firefighter dies in the line of duty, the Foundation provides survivors and fire chiefs with a place to turn. Families can receive emotional assistance through a Survivor Support Network. A similar program for fire chiefs provides immediate support from other chiefs who have "been there." Families receive a quarterly newsletter, special publications, and access to resources in the Foundation's Lending Library. A website provides information on benefits, the Memorial Weekend, and other programs. Families and friends can leave messages on a "Memory Wall" dedicated to fire heroes.

Training to help fire departments handle line-of-duty deaths

Under a Department of Justice grant, the Foundation provides training and specialized materials on how to handle line-of-duty deaths. The goal is to help departments better assist survivors of fallen firefighters.

A National Memorial Park

America's fire service has a rich heritage based in community involvement. The Foundation is expanding the official national memorial site in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to tell this story and help promote greater fire and emergency safety. The Park will include a Visitors' Information Center with educational displays, a "Walk of Honor", memorial plazas, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel, and the existing monument honoring all firefighters.

Artist rendering of the new National Memorial Park

To learn more about the foundation and its programs visit www.firehero.org or contact them at:

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
P.O. Drawer 498
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
e-mail firehero@firehero.org
(301) 447-1365
fax (301)447-1645