On a beautiful day, Sunday, September 21, 2008, hundreds of people gathered in the Hospitality Village at Dover International Speedway to be a part of the Inaugural Firefighters Appreciation Event hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the racetrack. Intended as a way to honor the fire service community and to pay tribute to those brave men and women who have died in the line of duty while serving their neighbors, the event was filled with remembrances and tributes with a definite NASCAR flair.

Representing the racing industry, Driver Jeff Burton and Owner Richard Childress made guest appearances, addressing the crowd and taking questions from the audience. Both gentleman spoke of their various life experiences in the racing industry and obvious ties to the firefighting community.

Highlights of the pre-race activities included comments by two Fire Service Survivors: Tina Hauk, who lost her husband Brian, and JoAnn Gettman, who lost her son Matthew. Both ladies told of their personal losses and how the Foundation assisted them in rebuilding their lives. The attendees were able to hear firsthand how their support of this event will make a difference for future families and co-workers of fallen firefighters.

The hospitality event started at 8 a.m. with breakfast and ended after lunch when the race began time. Gifts, prizes and mementoes of the big event were on hand and made possible through the generosity of the event corporate sponsors: Kidde, PBI, Inc., Holmatro and VFIS. Representatives of the Foundation sponsors, Sean Curley of Kidde, Grant Reeves of PBI, Mike Toeneboehn of Holmatro, and Dave Wyrwas of VFIS made comments during the program as well.

The day was filled with fun, food and festivities. . Attendees were given the opportunity to take a trackside tour. Ten survivor families were guests of Dover International Speedway and participated in the pre-race ceremonies. Dover International Speedway, Vice President, Mark Rossi presented the Foundation with a check in the amount of $27,776.00 representing the proceeds of the day.

A celebration of life commenced as race time neared. Fire service survivors rode on fire apparatus during a ceremonial lap before the race began.

It was noted throughout the day that the event was spectacular, meeting every expectation of those in attendance and a worthwhile endeavor of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Dover International Speedway. Numerous attendees expressed interest in attending the event again next year with hopes of an even larger fire service presence. Plans are underway to do just that.