International Firefighters’ Day is a way to say thank you to the world’s firefighters for all that they do to keep our communities safe
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.
In recognition of International Firefighters’ Day, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation invites you to Shine Your Light for Firefighters on May 4th.
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.
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
“The role of a firefighter in today’s society – be it urban, rural, natural environment, volunteer, career, industrial, defense force, aviation, motor sport, or other is one of dedication, commitment and sacrifice – no matter what country we reside and work in. In the fire service we fight together against one common enemy – fire – no matter what country we come from, what uniform we wear or what language we speak.” – Lieutenant JJ Edmondson, Founder of International Firefighters’ Day
A Look Back at International Firefighters’ Day 2020
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.
Shine Your Light for Firefighters
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.
Share a Firefighter Thank You
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.
We look forward to celebrating International Firefighters’ Day in 2023. Please save the date and join us again on May 4th to celebrate our heroes.May 4, 2023
10months to go.
Practice Fire and Life Safety in Your Home
Outreach Materials from the U.S. Fire Administration
Fire deaths can be reduced by people learning the basic facts about fire. The United States Fire Administration has a variety of downloadable material available on the their website.
Fire Causes & Risks Information from NFPA
We can all help make the world a safer place by learning more about how and why fires start. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers countless safety tips on a wide range of timely and important topics – everything you need to know to keep you, your family, and your neighbors safe from fire and related hazards.
We are working hard to provide important resources, workshops, and timely information to help both firefighters and our Fire Hero Families stay connected and well during these unprecedented times. These new resources can be found here on our website, shared through E-mail, and through our social media channels.
You can receive information on National Fallen Firefighters Foundation resources, news, events, and ways you can help families and the fire service through our online newsletter.
