Fire Chiefs Terry Shaffer, Edward P. Plaugher and Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Jr. to be recognized for heroic leadership and response to 9/11 terrorist attacks
Other highlights at FDIC include Whelen car unveiling honoring fallen firefighters, the Whelen donation challenge, and 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lucas Oil Stadium
A Night of Honor: When the World Stopped, They Stood
NFFF’s A Night of Honor: When the World Stopped, They Stood event will recognize the courage and legacy of the nation’s fallen firefighters. The event will take place on April 23 at 6 p.m., with tickets starting at $50. The event will include an award ceremony honoring three distinguished leaders who responded to the tragedy of 9/11 with courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the fire service. To register for the event, please visit this link.
Fire Chiefs Terry Shaffer, Edward P. Plaugher and Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Jr. were on the front lines during the terror attacks on 9/11, and each demonstrated extraordinary leadership and courage.
Shaffer led his department at the site of the United Airlines Flight 93 crash near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, providing immediate response and lasting support to the victims’ families. Plaugher coordinated on-the-ground operations for the Pentagon response, ensuring critical lifesaving efforts and effective communication between local and federal agencies. Ganci heroically led his rescue operations team into the North Tower, refusing to leave behind those he served, and giving his life in the line of duty.
Their actions on that day exemplify the bravery and dedication to the fire service, and their legacies continue to inspire firefighters and communities nationwide.
FDIC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
The NFFF will also host a FDIC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, on Friday, April 24 at 1 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium. The event pays tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who died as a result of 9/11 by having participants climb or walk an equivalent of 110 stories, representing the number of floors in each of the Twin Towers. The first 343 participants that register online will receive a 25th anniversary 9/11 challenge coin. Those who raise more than $110 will have the opportunity to receive special commemorative gifts.
The registration fee is $40 and online registration closes at midnight on April 23. For those attending FDIC International, they can register on April 22 and 23 in the Indianapolis Convention Center.
For the safety of all participants, attendees are encouraged to wear athletic gear and refrain from wearing their full turnout gear. For more information, please review this video.
Unveiling of Richard Childress Racing’s No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet Camaro
Whelen Engineering is set to unveil its 2026 No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Camaro on Thursday, April 23 at 12:00 p.m. The unveiling will take place at the Whelen Booth #3219, where the car will feature a special tribute to firefighters who died in the line of duty, featuring the name of each Fire Hero being added to the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial this year. To watch the unveiling live, visit Facebook live link.
Whelen Challenge
In celebration of FDIC International, Whelen Engineering pledges to match donations made to the NFFF, up to $50,000. Known as the Whelen Challenge, this fundraising effort supports fallen firefighters, their families, and helps fund programs that reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries. Individuals can show their support ahead of FDIC International by making a donation to the Whelen Challenge at www.firehero.org/whelen-challenge/.
