EMMITSBURG, MD – Over the past nine days, nine U.S. firefighters have died while serving their communities. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) extends our deepest condolences to the loved ones of these courageous firefighters and is working to assist their families and departments.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn nine brave firefighters who died in just over one week,” said Chief Dennis Compton, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NFFF. “There are also some of their fellow firefighters who worked those same incidents who are hospitalized, with some in critical condition. Please keep all their loved ones and fire departments in your hearts.”
As part of the NFFF’s mission to honor the fallen and assist their loved ones, the Foundation’s Local Assistance State Teams are available to provide support for all the affected departments and families, if requested.
The Foundation also works with the fire service throughout the United States to reduce the number of line-of-duty deaths each year through training and education programs. Sadly, even with the preventative efforts of many in the fire service, injuries and deaths occur.
“Every line-of-duty death is a tragedy, and we mourn all the firefighters who have died this year. The nine deaths in as many days is a reminder for us to always be vigilant,” said Compton.
About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and co-workers. The Foundation also works closely with the U.S. Fire Administration to help prevent and reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries. For more information on the NFFF and its programs visit www.firehero.org.