Welcome to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). We understand that you may have inquiries, and we have compiled the most commonly asked questions and provided answers below. If you don’t find the answer to your specific question, please reach out to us using our online form, and we will promptly respond. We appreciate your interest in the NFFF.
About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Our mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives.
» Read More: About Us and Our Mission
No, while the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was created by Congress in 1992 to honor all firefighters who die in the line of duty, the only financial support received from the U.S. Government are grant funds which are for specific programs, such as the Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives, and must be applied for annually. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that relies on funding through private donations from caring individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations.
» Read More: About How to Support the Foundation
To reach us by phone, please call Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 301-447-1365. Please send all other written correspondence to PO Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 or fax us at 301-447-1645.
You may also wish to contact the staff in our Crofton office. To reach us by phone call Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 410-721-6212. Please send all written correspondence for the Crofton office to 2130 Priest Bridge Dr., Suite 6, Crofton, MD 21114 or fax us at 410-721-6213.
You can also contact us through the website. If you are looking for a specific staff member or consultant please visit the staff section of our website.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation headquarters is located on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The Foundation’s offices are located in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel which sits adjacent to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. For more information on visiting our offices, for access restrictions to campus, hours, local lodging and directions, please see our memorial park section.
» Read More: About the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park
Donating to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
You can donate to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation online or by mail. Please click here to donate online. If you’d like to donate by mail, please make checks payable to “National Fallen Firefighters Foundation” and send them to:
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
P.O. Drawer 498
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Please indicate if you would like us to direct your gift to a specific program.
Federal, military, and postal service employees can donate to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation through Combined Federal Campaign contributions. The Foundation’s agency number is 10292. State and local government employees can write in the Foundation as their agency of choice.
We appreciate your continued support to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and their families.
We encourage our private sector friends to ask your companies to add the Foundation to the list of agencies eligible for your giving campaigns.
No, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation does not solicit donations by phone or employ outside companies to do so.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Our Federal Tax Identification (EIN) Number is 52-1832634.
Family Resources
Fire Service Resources
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation offers a variety of training for the fire service including courses on: community risk reduction, firefighter behavioral health, firefighter LODD prevention, and LODD preparedness.
» Read More: About Fire Service Training Opportunities
Honoring Our Fallen Firefighters
For information about U.S. flag etiquette please visit www.usa-flag-site.org.
Information on the use of flags in funeral activities for both line-of-duty and non-line-of-duty deaths can be found in the Chaplain’s Manual created for the Foundation by the Federation of Fire Chaplains.
Please remember to recognize the brave men and women who died protecting their communities by lowering your flag during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.
Scholarships
Spouses, life partners, children, and stepchildren of firefighters honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial qualify for the scholarship program. Children and stepchildren must be under age 30 and have been under age 22 at the time of the firefighter’s death.
The online scholarship application period begins on January 1, and all completed applications must be submitted by March 1 to be eligible for consideration.
Scholarship recipients are notified in the beginning of July. Scholarship checks are also mailed directly to the college or institution in July.
» Read More: About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Scholarship Program
Walk of Honor® Bricks
Yes, click here to order your brick online. If you would like to order a brick offline please download the brick order form.
In approximately three weeks the purchaser will receive a letter and certificate in the mail. When the brick is placed, its location will be available on our website.
Due to labor shortages and additional COVID-19 related delays the National Fallen firefighters Foundation has encountered delays in ordering and shipping of engraved bricks. We are working closely with our vendors to ensure your ordered brick is delivered as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and we will continue to keep you updated when more information is available.
