Every fire department throughout the country encounters unique opportunities and challenges to serving their communities. While these approaches can be distinctive hallmarks and a source of pride from a cultural perspective, they can limit effectiveness and potentially endanger firefighters and citizens.

Advocating for a National Emergency Response Policy (5.3MB)

In May 2018, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) gathered 30 fire service subject matter experts to evaluate and discuss Firefighter Life Safety Initiative #11: National standards for emergency response policies should be developed and championed. They reviewed the history on the initiative as well as relevant reports from agencies that have implemented successful programs.

In the end, the attendees unanimously supported the development of national response policy standards. This recommendation upholds the belief that such standards will help reduce firefighter injuries and preventable fatalities. A copy of the full report can be accessed here.

“The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is very pleased with the recommendation of this esteemed group,” said Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, Executive Director of the Foundation. “As an organization, we believe that implementing such standards and protocols will help the nation’s fire service make inroads in reducing the number of firefighter injuries and deaths that occur each year.”

Funding for the meeting was made possible through the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. It was hosted by Columbus (OH) International Association of Fire Fighters Local 67 at the local’s headquarters.

Some will climb to remember a relative. Some will climb to honor a friend. And some will climb to show gratitude for the great sacrifices made by people they’ve never met. On Sunday, October 28, firefighters, first responders and the public will climb the steps of Belmont Park to pay respects to our nation’s fallen firefighters and to support their families.

For the fourth year the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will host the Annual National Stair Climb for Fallen Firefighters.

“The National Stair Climb for Fallen Firefighters is an inspirational event, bringing hundreds of people together to honor these fallen heroes and to reassure their loved ones that they will not be forgotten,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF.

Participants will climb the equivalent of 110 stories to symbolize the steps of the World Trade Center Towers. The climb is in memory of all fallen firefighters, including the 343 FDNY members who died on September 11, 2001. All climbers will receive a commemorative event shirt and a name badge for the firefighter they are honoring. Gates open and on-site registration begins at 9:00 am. To register in advance, go to www.nationalstairclimb.com.

“The climb helps to raise funds that support the services of the FDNY Counseling Services Unit and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. These include support networks, wellness conferences and our scholarship program for spouses, children and step-children,” Siarnicki explained.

Belmont Park will have bounce castles, pony rides and other fun family activities. In addition, the New York Racing Association will raffle two (2) 2018 Belmont Stakes Day reserved seats valued at $200 each.

“This is truly a family-oriented event, which reflects the nature of the fire service,” said Siarnicki.

With that in mind, the organizers offer multiple ways for people to participate.

• $50 for the Climb and After Party

• $50 for Climb Supporters and After Party

• $30 for After Party tickets

• $20 for After Party tickets for children under 12

• Children 3 and under are FREE

For more information and to register, go to www.nationalstairclimb.org. To learn more about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, go to www.firehero.org.