Family Resources - National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Grief in Progress: A New Podcast Series from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Everyone’s journey through grief is unique. But shared stories can be a powerful tool of hope for those who have experienced sudden loss. Grief in Progress inspires listeners with messages of resilience from peers who have found their own ways to cope. The compelling episodes feature one-on-one conversations with spouses, children, and life partners of fallen firefighters—but the perspectives they share will resonate with anyone dealing with grief. Through the generosity of these Fire Hero Families, the open dialogue focuses on contemporary issues of grief and offers strategies to promote healing. Most of all, Grief in Progress inspires new ways of seeing the world and connecting with others after tragic loss.

Episode 1

Becoming a Change Maker After Loss

Sharon Purdy’s firefighter husband, Lee, died of a heart attack in the line of duty. As a paramedic herself, Sharon was at the same fire and ran the code on her husband. In the days that followed, Sharon’s personal loss exposed a larger problem related to availability of survivor benefits. It wasn’t one that she could solve for herself—but nonetheless she felt compelled to make it right for future Fire Hero Families. Sharon used her own experience with loss to advocate for other family members, and her efforts led to the expansion of the Hometown Heroes program that provides benefits to survivors of public safety officers.

Listen Now on www.griefinprogress.com

» Read More: NFFF Launches Grief Podcast to Foster Hope and Healing

Sandra Clinton: My Memorial Weekend Experience

If you have only recently learned about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, you are not alone. Many families aren’t introduced to the Foundation until after they’ve experienced a tragic loss.

Sandra Clinton was no exception—until she was notified that her husband Madison would be honored at Memorial Weekend 2019. That weekend became a springboard for her and her daughters, leading to ongoing involvement with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Hear More About Memorial Weekend from Sandra Clinton

Self-Care and Wellness

Strategies for Coping with Grief

In this series, Michele Neff Hernandez, Founder and Executive Director of Soaring Spirits International, discusses some of the difficult aspects of grief and strategies for handling them.

Helping Others

Connections

<<	Dec 2021					>>
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
28	29	30 Facilitated Support Group	1 2021 Fire Hero Family Winter Retreat	2	3 2021 Fire Hero Family Tree Lighting	4
5	6	7 Facilitated Support Group	8 Virtual Peer Support Group	9	10	11
12 December Remembrance Group	13	14 Facilitated Support Group	15 Virtual Peer Support Group	16 State Connections – December 2021	17	18 Men Forging Ahead – Holiday Memories and New Traditions
19	20	21 Facilitated Support Group	22 Virtual Peer Support Group	23	24	25
26	27	28 Facilitated Support Group	29 Virtual Peer Support Group	30	31	1

» Home Fire and Life Safety Tips During the COVID-19 Crisis «

Focusing Our Energy

Eric Nagle

Family Programs Specialist
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…
it’s about learning to dance in the rain. “
– Vivian Greene

Erin Browning

Outreach Assistant
“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day
is the rest we take between two deep breaths.“
– Etty Hillesum

Jenny Woodall

Grief Specialist
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking
new landscapes, but in having new eyes. “
– Marcel Proust

Ashley Whitmore

Family Programs Support Specialist
“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.“
– Martin Luther King Jr.

Beverly Donlon

Director of Family Programs
“Train your mind to see the good in everything. Positivity is a choice; the happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.“
– Anonymous

Forever in Our Hearts®
Resources for Families of Fallen Firefighters

Families of fallen firefighters face a long and difficult journey. While the rest of the world moves on, family members must figure out how to live without their loved one. The Foundation offers a variety of programs and materials to help during this most difficult time.

Most importantly, we want you to know that you are not alone. There are others who understand your loss and honor your loved one’s memory.

Fire Hero Family Programs

NFFF and Partner Scholarship Programs
The Foundation offers financial assistance for post-secondary education and training to spouses, life partners, children and stepchildren of firefighters honored at the National Memorial.
Wellness Conference
This special week of activities is designed to address issues related to loss, provide training for those providing outreach to others, and provide a chance to network with other fire hero families.
Remembrance Program
During the anniversary month of their firefighter’s death, families receive a Remembrance card from another fire hero family member.
Hal Bruno Camps for Children of Fallen Firefighters
This is a weekend bereavement camp for children and stepchildren of fallen firefighters who have been honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg.
Programs for Young Adults
The Foundation offers programs for young adults, ages 18-24, whose firefighter parent died in the line of duty.
Memorial Weekend
Every October, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. The weekend features private activities for fire hero families and co-workers, along with public ceremonies.
Winter Family Retreat
A multi-day event for all ages and family members, focused on fellowship, self-care, and giving back during the holidays.
National Fallen Firefighters Holiday Tree Lighting
Each December, ornaments, holiday cards, and notes provided by Fire Hero Families adorn trees in and around the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel. These tributes in honor of fallen firefighters remain on display throughout the holiday season.

Family Benefit Information

To help with immediate and long-term financial concerns, we can help families find information on benefits available at the national level and in each state. The Foundation’s Scholarship Program can help fire hero families achieve their educational goals.