Beginning on February 20, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will host the Fire Hero Teens virtual support group, open exclusively to children, stepchildren, and siblings aged 13 to 17 whose firefighter family member has been honored (or approved to be honored) at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

The new group will meet via Zoom on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm ET.

Fire Hero Teens aims to provide a nurturing environment for healing. The group’s facilitator, Dr. Angela Moreland, is an esteemed expert in trauma recovery. She serves as the Director of the Center for Firefighter Behavioral Health and an Associate Professor at the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center at the Medical University of South Carolina.

“Dr. Moreland is a highly skilled clinical psychologist who has worked with our Fire Hero Family community for many years,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF. “Her experience as the Director of the Center for Firefighter Behavioral Health has addressed the needs of firefighters nationwide. She is the right person to bring solace, strength, and support to our Fire Hero Teens.”

Under Dr. Moreland’s guidance, the group will engage in peer-to-peer support, enabling teens to exchange stories, share their grief, and learn coping mechanisms to navigate their emotions. “This type of informal support group creates a space where teens can express their feelings and gain insight from others who faced similar losses,” said Dr. Moreland. “I am really looking forward to meeting this group and providing them some solace and support.”