The Third Annual Fire Service Survivors Conference, hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and funded through a Department of Justice grant, was held in Greenbelt, Maryland during the week of April 1-5, 2008. For the first time at the conference, Fire Service Survivors Local Assistance State Team (LAST) members, and representatives of fire service organizations met for a Public Safety Officers Benefit (PSOB) Summit on April 1st and 2nd.

The Summit kicked off with speakers from the Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance. Domingo S. Herraiz, Director of Bureau of Justice Assistance, spoke about the PSOB program and his office's commitment to applying Hometown Heroes Act as it was originally intended. Director Herraiz, who comes from a law enforcement and fire service family, stressed the importance of education about the PSOB program and his efforts to establish "continual communication to departments."

Hope Janke, Counsel to the Director Bureau of Justice Assistance, gave an overview of the program and the basic definitions of the terms and items needed to submit a PSOB claim. Both LAST team members and Survivors had an opportunity to ask questions, share best practices, and talk about their experiences and concerns with the claims process.

On day two of the PSOB Summit attendees were welcomed by National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Chairman Dennis Compton. Chief Compton spoke about the exciting things taking place in Washington, D.C. during the week including: the PSOB Summit, the Survivors Conference, the Fire and Emergency Services Exhibit, 20th Annual National Emergency Services Dinner and the opportunity for the fire service to be heard by their legislators. "We are very pleased to have the LAST members and our families together for this Conference," said Chief Compton.

Following Chief Compton's welcome, renowned author Dr. Darcie Sims spoke about grief, feelings, and the journey of healing after the death of a loved one. Survivors cried, nodded, smiled and even laughed in acknowledgement of the shared feelings and experiences. LAST team members came away with a better understanding of what a family goes through after their loved one dies in the line of duty and a new appreciation of how important their work is to a grieving family.

While survivor families broke out into closed group sessions, LAST team members talked about their program and how the program has grown over the last year. They also discussed the future of the LAST program and shared a few case studies to make teams aware of what happens when teams respond.

That afternoon, both Survivors and LAST team members boarded a bus for Washington, DC. They would take part in the National Fire and Emergency Services Showcase on the National Mall and Remembrance and Tribute Reception later that evening at the Washington Hilton. The reception, co-hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Congressional Fire Services Institute and sponsored by Scott Health and Safety and Ansul, honored our returning survivor families.

Eileen Coglianese, whose husband Edmond of the Chicago Fire Department died in the line of duty in 1986, spoke to the crowd about her journey as a survivor and her involvement with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Special tributes were also made to two gentlemen who have been instrumental in helping the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the fire service. Former NFFF Chairman, Hal Bruno was named Chairman Emeritus for his tireless efforts to honor and care for the families of our fallen bravest. Chief Charlie Dickinson of the U.S. Fire Administration was recognized for his assistance to the fire service and his devotion to promoting firefighter life safety so no more families have to cope with losing a loved one.

"This is the first Survivors Conference I have attended. Had a wonderful time and looking forward to attend the next one. I also think the speakers at the Conference workshops did a wonderful job." - Mother, 2001 (NY)

Starting on Thursday morning, survivors had many opportunities to share experiences, develop new friendships and take part in programs designed to meet their needs as survivors and help in their role of supporting new families. Our Survivor Network is a group of amazing people who are willing to assist new families that have experienced a line-of-duty death by listening, understanding, mentoring, and sharing their journey with others to offer them hope after losing a loved one. Programs such as Survivors Offering Hope to Others and the Communications workshops focused on ways to support new survivors, being able to listen effectively, and how to handle the feelings that resurface when helping the newly bereaved.

That afternoon survivors also had an opportunity to meet with their legislators to discuss issues important to survivors and to the fire service. Later that evening survivors attended the 20th Annual National Emergency Services Dinner.

During the dinner, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Chairman Emeritus, Hal Bruno received the Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. Throughout his career as an ABC News Political Journalist, his role in numerous volunteer fire departments throughout the United States, and his position as Chairman of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Hal ensured that the fire service was well represented in our nNation's capital. His integrity, leadership and devotion to the fire service and to the families of our fallen firefighters is apparent in all that he does. Following the dinner, survivors celebrated the award with Hal in a special reception held in his honor.

Friday morning offered more stress management with chair massage, reflexology, and aricular acupuncture.

Speakers Bureau training gave survivor volunteers techniques to help them craft their message for different audiences and tips on presenting their personal story in front of an audience. Survivors share their story during the Foundation's "Taking Care of Our Own®" training. Financial management workshops provided information on how to handle day-to-day finances for survivors who lost a partner who was the primary bread winner or who handled all of the finances.

There were also Aromatherapy and Tea workshops that allowed the survivors to network, be creative, relax and begin lasting friendships with other survivors.

"Another Survivors Week is finished, and although we are tired from being on the go for the past week, it has again been very rewarding. It was fun to see our friends, both from the Foundation and families from previous events. It was exciting to have new people to meet and get to know. Each time we come back here, our friendships expand and deepen." - Mother, 2003 (OR)

Each year, more survivors join us for the Annual Survivors Conference to reconnect with other survivors, forge new friendships, and attend classes that help them on the path they now walk together. The Foundation is there to assist them on their journey and honor the sacrifice that their loved one made for us and their community.