National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Fire service programs - the 240 firefighter life safety initiatives are the cornerstone of the nfff's programming aimed at reducing preventable line-of-duty deaths and injuries in the fire service community. The programs generated from the initiatives promote the integration of health and safety into the policies, procedures, and culture of the nation's career, volunteer, combination and wildland firefighters. The efforts are aimed at addressing the root causes of firefighter fatalities and injuries. Through the initiatives, the nfff develops health and wellness programs, life safety training and officer development to further promote a more safety conscious fire officer. These programs are delivered at no- or low-cost via the nfff's online fire hero training network and/or the nfff advocates program. Additionally, there are specific initiatives that advance community risk reduction efforts to increase safety for firefighters through reducing the number and intensity of fires; supports associated research and pilot projects; and advocates for improved standards for training, protective equipment, and behavioral and physical health programs, particularly those addressing occupational diseases and the adverse effects of stress. The nfff also provides programming that assists fire departments to both prepare for and respond to the line-of-duty death of one of their members. "taking care of our own" trains officers in pre-incident planning, survivor notification, family, fire chief, incident commander, company officer and co-worker support, and benefits and resources available to families and co-workers. Local assistance state teams are mobilized upon request to offer both immediate and longer-term logistical, administrative, and emotional support to fire service organizations that have experienced the line-of-duty death of one of their members. These trained teams, located in almost every state, also provide assistance to surviving family members in applying for public safety officers' benefits.

In may, the foundation hosted the official national tribute to america's heroes honoring 226 firefighters, 89 who died in 2023 and 137 from previous years. The nfff provided lodging, meals, and travel assistance to families. 1,117 fire hero family members attended the memorial weekend. Grief and other counseling sessions were provided for 130 family survivors. 398 honor guard pipes and drums and 222 fire service family escorts from across the country participated in honoring their fallen brothers and sisters. 145 family survivors from the previous years returned to assist with new family registrations and new family day activities. More than 5,000 attended the national memorial service.