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.
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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. - Virtual Support Groups
Our virtual support groups provide a way for Fire Hero Families to connect with one another from their homes across the country throughout the year. No matter where you are located, you have free weekly opportunities to talk, listen, and share stories, struggles, and ideas. - 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. - Men’s Retreat
Often, men feel they must handle their emotions alone or they will show signs of weakness. Instead of emotional expression, men benefit greatly by being active. The Men’s Retreat is designed to help men gain knowledge and skills to understand and deal with grief and to build supports as they move forward. - 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.
Fire Hero Family Resources and Information
Resources:
Publications:
- The Foundation Newsletter
- The Journey
- Sign-Up: Receive Our Print Newsletters
- Sign-Up: Receive Our Online Newsletters
Volunteer
I Need Assistance:
Fallen Hero Tributes at Firehero.org
- Browse & Search
- Submit: A Bio of Your Firefighter
- Submit: A Photo of Your Firefighter
- Roll of Honor: View/Edit Your Firefighter’s Page
- Walk of Honor® / Search Bricks
State and Local Memorials
Memorial Weekend Information
- New Families: Information for Families Whose Firefighter Will be Honored This Year
- Families: Information for Families Whose Firefighter was Honored Previously
- Visit: Our Memorial Weekend Section
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
- Pay it Forward by Helping Others Deal with Grief and Loss
- Managing Anxiety: A Resource List for Children, Teens, and Families
Connections
Focusing Our Energy
Erin Browning
Outreach Assistant
“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day
is the rest we take between two deep breaths.“
– Etty Hillesum
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
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.
Episode 6
Gratitude Tour: From Sea to Shining Sea
