The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the tax-exempt, nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor our fallen fire heroes and assist their families and co-workers.
The Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. It is registered as a corporation in the State of Maryland. The Foundation receives funding through private donations from caring individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations.
A grant from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance supports programs for families of fallen firefighters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency partners with the Foundation to sponsor many of the National Memorial Weekend activities. The National Institute of Standards and Technology supports work on a national research agenda to prevent line-of-duty deaths and injuries.
Our Mission
Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. Our mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their families in rebuilding their lives and work within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries.
Each October, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the weekend activities held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The Weekend features special programs for families and co-workers along with moving public ceremonies.
Help families attend the Weekend
The Foundation provides travel, lodging, and meals for immediate family members of fallen firefighters being honored. This allows families to participate in Family Day sessions conducted by trained grief counselors and in the private and public tributes.
Offer support programs for Fire Hero families
When a firefighter dies in the line of duty, the Foundation provides families with a place to turn. Families receive emotional assistance through a Fire Hero Family Network, which matches families with similar experiences and circumstances. Families receive a quarterly newsletter and specialized grief publications. Our website provides extensive information on benefits, Foundation programs, and other resources.
Award scholarships to Fire Hero family members
Spouses, life partners, children, and stepchildren of fallen firefighters are eligible for scholarship assistance for education and job training costs.
Help departments deal with line-of-duty deaths
Under a Department of Justice grant, the Foundation offers training to help fire departments handle a line-of-duty death. Departments receive extensive pre-incident planning support. Immediately after a death, a Chief-to-Chief Network provides technical assistance and personal support to help the department and the family.
Work to prevent line-of-duty deaths and injuries
With the support of fire and life safety organizations, the Foundation has launched a major initiative to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. Our goal is to reduce line-of-duty firefighter deaths by 25 percent in 5 years.
Create a National Memorial Park
The Foundation is expanding the national memorial site in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to create the first permanent national park honoring all firefighters. The park includes a brick Walk of Honor® that connects the Memorial Chapel and the official national monument.
