Family Resources

Sandra Clinton: Please Attend Memorial Weekend

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

<<	Oct 2021					>>
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
26	27	28 Facilitated Support Group	29	30	1	2 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
3	4	5 Facilitated Support Group	6 Virtual Peer Support Group	7	8	9
10 October Remembrance Group	11	12 Facilitated Support Group	13 Virtual Peer Support Group	14	15	16
17	18	19 Facilitated Support Group	20 Virtual Peer Support Group	21 State Connections – October 2021	22	23 Men Forging Ahead – Everyone Goes Home®
24	25	26 Facilitated Support Group	27 Virtual Peer Support Group	28	29	30
31	1	2 Facilitated Support Group	3 Virtual Peer Support Group	4	5	6

» 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

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

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.

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.