The family of each fallen firefighter is assigned a fire-service Escort to assist them while they are on-campus during the Memorial Weekend. The Memorial Weekend is a time for sharing and healing for the families of our fallen firefighters and it means a lot to them to have a member of the fire service accompany them throughout the events. Whether you are a member of the department of a fallen firefighter or a member of the extended fire service family, your involvement is very important. Escorts who have accompanied families to weekend events in the past describe it as an unforgettable experience.
Lodging and Meals
Family Escorts are responsible for all travel arrangements and expenses (airfare/rental car/parking/tolls/etc.) to/from Emmitsburg to participate in Weekend activities. If you are approved for on-campus housing a dorm room will be provided for you on Friday and Saturday nights at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg. Available dorm rooms are assigned to escorts on a first-come, first-served basis. Only those fire service members participating in the Weekend events as a Family Escort are eligible for on-campus housing. If family members or friends are attending the Weekend events, they will need to make reservations at a local area hotel.
Due to budgetary constraints, the Foundation will not be able to cover costs of campus meals for escorts this year. Escorts who are selected to participate in 2023 will be responsible for purchasing a meal ticket to eat their Weekend meals in the dining hall.
Onsite Registration and Orientation
If you are selected to serve as a Family Escort, you must make travel plans that will permit you to arrive in Emmitsburg for check-in on Friday, May 5, 2023, between the hours of 1:00 pm and 11:00 pm. Escorts who fail to check in on Friday evening will forfeit their ability to function and their room will be withdrawn for the weekend.
Each escort will receive a handbook prior to the Memorial Weekend to help them prepare for their role. A mandatory Escort orientation will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2023, starting at 9:00 am.
» Contact Us: For more information or to request an application to be a Fire Service Escort
