When a firefighter dies in the line-of-duty, their loved ones are left with unique challenges as they begin to rebuild their lives. Fortunately, survivors of fallen firefighters have a place to go each year to find support, comfort, and resources they need as well as the chance to make friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The 7th annual Fire Service Survivors Conference was held February 11-17 in sunny Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, much to the delight of those from colder climates. It broke all previous records for attendance, with about 130 survivors participating. The theme for the conference was We're All in the Same Boat, a nod to the nautical locale and the bond shared by survivors.

"The Foundation recognized that many survivors needed an opportunity to express themselves and begin their own healing process that was separate from the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in October," explained Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF. "The conference also allows survivors to relax, have fun, and share their thoughts and feelings freely with others who understand the path they're walking."

Survivors attended workshops on a variety of topics including Widowhood, Dating & Remarriage; Dealing with Difficult People, Restoring Life's Balance, photography, and writing. They spent time getting to know one another in small groups, during meals, and at an evening poolside beach party. They toured local attractions including a butterfly garden and an alligator swamp.

The conference workshops and some transportation costs, as well as lodging, were provided through a grant from the Department of Justice and support from Motorola Solutions and Tyco International. Many of the workshops were held at the Motorola facility in Plantation, Florida.

Tears and laughter and stories were shared, new memories and friends were made, and hopefully everyone returned home knowing that they are truly never alone.

Here's what a few survivors who attended previous conferences had to say:

Thank you to the NFFF once again for an awesome job on the Survivors Conference!!! Your dedication and hard work is endless and very much appreciated by the Survivors across the nation. You are our inspiration to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

No matter how far out we are, we can always offer support and comfort to others. Sometimes for those who are still new to the journey it's a blessing just to see someone who has survived for 5, 10, or 20 years...it reassures them that they can, too!

This was my first conference. I had a wonderful week. I met a new fire service family, and everyone is just great. Everything was just perfect from the pick up to the departure.

As survivors we come together to honor our firefighters and to support one another. The bond within this family only grows stronger each time we gather.

My time here in Florida has ended; however, the memories, the laughter and the blessings will forever be with me!! With the help of my survivor family this week, I realize how blessed we were, how blessed we are, and the blessings our future can be.

Thanks to the many individuals and organizations that helped make this conference possible through funding, logistics, transportation, and sponsorship of events.

U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance
Motorola Solutions
Tyco International

Anne Arundel County (Maryland) Fire Department
Anne Arundel County (Maryland) Sheriffs Office
Broward County Council of Professional Firefighters
Broward County Fire Chiefs' Association
Broward Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue
City of Hallandale Beach Department of Fire Rescue
City of Hollywood Fire Rescue Department
City of Plantation Fire Department
City of Sunrise
Clearwater Fire and Rescue
Coral Springs Fire Rescue
Davie Fire Rescue Department
Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue
Greater Broward Firefighters Charities
Honor Guards from Sunrise, Coral Springs, Hollywood, Plantation, BSO, & Lauderhill
Margate Fire Department
Metro-Broward Local 3080
Miramar Fire Rescue Department
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue
Sunrise Fire Rescue Department
Sunrise Sports and Entertainment
Tamarac Fire Rescue