- By Joanne Rund, Director of Family Programs
I am honored to join this incredible organization as the new Director of Family Programs. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable work of Bev Donlon, who left an indelible mark. Bev’s dedication and passion have been instrumental in supporting the families of our fallen heroes. I am genuinely humbled to inherit the responsibility of continuing her fantastic work and building upon the strong foundation she has laid.
While I am new to the position, I am not new to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). Being in the fire service for 38 years (most recently as the fire chief of the Baltimore County Fire Department), I have been engaged with the NFFF in many different capacities. I have served as an NFFF Advocate for more than 15 years and on the NFFF Board of Directors since 2019.
I have also had the privilege of serving as a flag presenter during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. That experience has been profound and deeply moving, as it allowed me to witness firsthand the immense sacrifice our brave firefighters made and their families’ unwavering strength. It is an honor that I hold close to my heart and one that I know will be even greater solidified in my new role.
Outside of my professional life, I am blessed with a loving family, including my husband Mike, my children, and ten grandchildren. They constantly remind me of the importance of love, laughter, and cherishing moments together. Family is the cornerstone of my life, and the Fire Hero Family is now an extension of my family. Now here is a little secret that might surprise you: I have a deep love for motorcycles. There is something exhilarating about the freedom of the open road and finding joy in unexpected places.
I am committed to ensuring you – the families of our fallen firefighters – receive support, care, and compassion through our programs, events, and other resources. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to get to know you, and I look forward to your ideas on how the NFFF can better serve you.