The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor and remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the tax-exempt, nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor our fallen fire heroes and assist their families, colleagues, and organizations.

Each year, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend activities held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The Weekend features special programs for families and coworkers along with moving public ceremonies.

Help families attend the National Memorial Weekend
The Foundation provides travel, lodging, and meals for immediate family members of fallen firefighters being honored. This allows families to participate in Family Day sessions conducted by trained grief counselors and in the private and public tributes.

Offer support programs for the families of fallen firefighters
When a firefighter dies in the line of duty, the Foundation provides their families with a place to turn. Families receive emotional assistance through a Fire Hero Family Support Network, which matches family members with similar experiences and circumstances. Families receive a bimonthly newsletter and specialized grief publications. Our website provides extensive information on benefits, Foundation programs, and other resources.

Award scholarships to the families of fallen firefighters
Spouses, life partners, children, and stepchildren of fallen firefighters are eligible for scholarship assistance for education and job training costs.

Help departments deal with line-of-duty deaths
The Foundation offers training to help fire departments handle a line-of-duty death. Departments receive extensive pre-incident planning support. Immediately after a death, a Chief-to-Chief Network provides technical assistance and personal support to help the department and the family.

Work to reduce preventable line-of-duty deaths and injuries
With the support of fire and life safety organizations, the Foundation has launched a major initiative to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. Our goal is to reduce line-of-duty firefighter deaths by 25 percent in 5 years.

Create a National Memorial Park
The Foundation is expanding the National Memorial site in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to create the first permanent National Memorial Park honoring all firefighters. The Park includes a brick Walk of Honor® that connects the Memorial Chapel and the official National Monument.

The Foundation receives funding through private donations from caring individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations.