Paul Sarbanes was a leader and a friend to firefighters in Maryland and across the nation. We are sorry to learn of his passing Sunday night at age 87.

As a five-term U.S. Senator, Paul Sarbanes paved for the way for Congress to create the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) in 1992. Previously, Senator Sarbanes helped secure the location for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

NFFF has long honored Senator Sarbanes for his work and commitment to the fire service. The Sarbanes Scholarship Program assists the children, spouses, and life partners of fallen firefighters. In addition, the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award is given annually by NFFF and the Congressional Fire Services Institute to fire service organizations that promote the health and safety of firefighters.

NFFF Board of Directors Chairman Troy Markel said today, “We will long honor and never forget the unflinching commitment of Senator Sarbanes in making sure our nation’s fallen heroes are remembered and their families are cared for. Firefighters lost an important friend and key ally who had an enormous impact on the fire service.”