Kelly Casillo is the principal Research Specialist for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, working in the Fire Service Programs Department out of the Crofton, Maryland office. The Research Specialist position is responsible for compiling information needed so NFFF can render a decision to honor a fallen firefighter at the National Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

To meet its congressional mandate to respectfully honor and recognize firefighters who die in the line of duty each year, the Foundation reviews the circumstances of each firefighter fatality reported to determine whether the death meets criteria for inclusion on the National Memorial. Fire Service Programs is responsible for conducting thorough research for each reported firefighter fatality. This research includes collection of information such as news articles, photos, obituaries, copies of the USFA fatality notices, and correspondence from the fire departments. Once the information is compiled, it is forwarded to Executive Director Chief Ron Siarnicki for review and final approval. Firefighters whose deaths meet the criteria are honored during Memorial Weekend.

Kelly also supports the work of Fire Service Programs by assisting with special projects, events, and various video production projects. She enjoys collaborating with her colleagues in Family Programs to connect her work with NFFF’s support to families.

Kelly lives in Annapolis, Maryland with her husband and 2 young sons. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling to warm destinations, yoga, and reading a good historical fiction novel. During her recent time at home, she has explored some local hikes with her family, is getting back into running (a little bit) and is tackling some home improvement projects.