Born out of a tragic loss of five firefighters in a wildfire in Victoria, Australia, it was a way to honor their lives and the sacrifice that firefighters are willing to make for you and me on a daily basis. This day of recognition is at the core of what the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) does. Our mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen firefighters, to assist their families in rebuilding their lives, and to prevent firefighter injuries and deaths.
International Firefighters’ Day

Shine Your Light for Firefighters
In recognition of International Firefighters’ Day, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation invites you to Shine Your Light for Firefighters on May 4th.

This is My Firefighter
On May 4, post a picture on your social media platforms of a firefighter who is important to you with the hashtag #ThisIsMyFirefighter.

We Thank Firefighters
The NFFF invites you to draw, color, craft and share your thank you with the us using #WeThankFFs on May 4, 2022, International Firefighters’ Day.

Promote the Day in Your Community
Find downloadable resources including social media graphics and web banners to use to promote International Firefighters’ Day in your community.
Global Day of Gratitude Honors Firefighters Past, Present, and Future
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation again takes part in International Firefighters’ Day
International Firefighters’ Day is a time where the world recognizes and honors the sacrifices firefighters make to ensure their communities are safe. This day of recognition is at the core of what the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation does. Our mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen firefighters, assist their families in rebuilding their lives, and prevent firefighter injuries and deaths.
Around the World with Chief Billy Goldfeder
The NFFF Observed Int’l Firefighters’ Day
We invite communities, businesses, fire departments, and media to join us again in 2022 in celebrating and highlighting the great work firefighters do every day, and to thank them for all that they do to keep us safe.
» Niagara Falls Lit for Firefighters’ Day
– Lieutenant JJ Edmondson, Founder of International Firefighters’ Day
For the first time, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation joined the global celebration of firefighters on May 4, 2020. This day of recognition is at the core of what the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) does. Our mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen firefighters, to assist their families in rebuilding their lives, and to prevent firefighter injuries and deaths.
During International Firefighters’ Day 2020 we came together to celebrate firefighters worldwide and thank them for their service. Whether you lit your home in red, made thank you signs, or watched special tributes online, you let firefighters know how much they mean to our communities. Through your generous support of the Foundation’s #Give2NFFFNow campaign, you also helped Fire Hero Families and firefighters impacted by line-of-duty deaths and this global pandemic.
Nearly 500 families across the United States joined the NFFF for our Shine Your Light for Firefighters, which asked members of the community to light their homes in red to show their support for firefighters. U.S. fire departments, public buildings, corporations and families in Canada and the United Kingdom also joined the movement. We thank everyone who participated, shared in their communities, and sent photos of their tribute.
In addition to sharing light during these dark times, kids and adults sheltering at home during the pandemic worked together to create and share a firefighter thank you. Heartfelt notes, drawings, and art projects also celebrated the tireless work of our community heroes. These simple acts of kindness helped boost everyone’s spirits and let our firefighters know that they matter. The Foundation has created a special Facebook group so you can share a thank you anytime you wish and invite others to join us in acknowledging the important work of firefighters in the community.
On the evenings of May 4th and 5th, vocalists Tyler Braden and Craig Wayne Boyd sang live from their homes in special performances on our NFFF Facebook page. Their music not only entertained us at the end of a long day, but it also helped bring us together in hope. We sincerely appreciate Tyler and Craig’s support of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and for firefighters everywhere and thank them for sharing their talents with us.