National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Honors America’s Firefighters, Assists their Families, and Prevents Deaths and Injuries

Posted on April 5, 2021

The Safer Buildings Coalition continues its spotlight on noble causes with its Forces for Good Spotlight on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).

The NFFF was created by the U.S. Congress in 1992. Executive Director Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki says, “The Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of firefighters who die in the line of duty, assisting their families, and delivering educational programs promoting the prevention of avoidable line-of-duty deaths and injuries.”

“When a firefighter dies in the line of duty, the NFFF provides families with a place to turn,” said Siarnicki. “Families receive emotional assistance through a Fire Hero Family Support Network, which matches families with similar experiences and circumstances and provides access to resources to help them rebuild their lives.” 

Each year, the NFFF sponsors the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend this national tribute held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, which features special programs for families and co-workers along with moving public ceremonies.

The NFFF provides travel, lodging, and meals for immediate family members of fallen firefighters being honored. Siarnicki says, “This allows families to participate in Family Day activities, small group sessions conducted by trained grief counselors, and in ceremonies honoring their loved ones.”

With the support of fire and life safety organizations, the Everyone Goes Home® initiative was created to reduce the number of preventable firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries. The Everyone Goes Home® Program provides free training, resources, and programs to champion and implement the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives. These Initiatives have deeply informed the emerging safety culture in the U.S. fire service and become the bedrock foundation for thousands of fire departments and EMS organizations who have a desire to ensure that their firefighters and medics return home safely after every shift.

Please visit FireHero.org to sign-up for our newsletter, donate, and to learn how you can help by participating in our 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs, Memorial Golf Tournaments, and other events happening nationwide and virtually throughout the year.