Handling a Line-of-Duty Death

• Assign a 2-person team to notify the firefighter’s family, in person when possible, prior to releasing any information.
• If the immediate family is outside of the local area, consider asking a fire department in their area to make the notification in person or be involved in the notification.
• Notification should take place in a private setting, when possible.
• Offer to help the next-of-kin contact other friends of family for support.
• Provide contact information for the fire department’s family support liaison or team.

Other Notifications

• Notify all on-and-off duty personnel, including chaplains.
• Notify elected official and other community leaders.
• Notify other fire chiefs in the jurisdiction.
• Notify the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program office, even if you are not sure if the firefighter’s family will qualify for benefits.

• Designate a family support liaison (or team) to assist with the immediate needs during the funeral/memorial service and to assist during benefits filing process.
• Designate a hospital liaison, if appropriate.
• Meet with the family to discuss fire department support available.
• Provide information on organizations who may provide funeral services at no-cost or discounted cost, such as Wilbert.
• Ensure the firefighters’ belongings are given to the family at the appropriate time. If some belongings will be held during the investigation, explain this to the family.
• Assist the family in fire service funeral/memorial service planning depending on their needs and wishes. The Federation of Fire Chaplains has a comprehensive funeral guide to assist in planning.
• Consider assisting the family with logistical tasks during the funeral such as transportation for out of town family and friends and childcare needs during the funeral.
• Include family members in future memorial services and tributes.

• Contact the state LAST representative regarding assistance with funeral needs and/or benefits filing. The LAST representative may also provide information about other NFFF resources, including the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Weekend.
• Contact the NFFF if a senior fire officer would like to be connected with another senior fire officer who has also lost a firefighter through the Chief-to-Chief Network.
• Contact uniform companies, such as Lighthouse Uniform Company, which may provide fire service uniforms free of charge.
• Continue to inform fire department members about the incident and the funeral/memorial service plans.
• Engage peer support groups, chaplaincy groups, Employee Assistance Program representatives, if available.
• When the time is determined appropriate, update Emergency Contact Information for all department members.

• An Incident Commander should be appointed to lead the group. This individual should report directly to the fire chief to facilitate enacting all aspects related to the LODD, funeral and aftermath.
• The Incident Commander should appoint a deputy to provide continuity for the team.
• The management team should have other positions assigned as needed to ensure handling of the LODD goes as smoothly as possible. These positions include, but are not limited to:
  
  • Family liaison
  • Funeral liaison
  • Media liaison
  • Member liaison
  • Auto Aid/Mutual Aid liaison

Summary of Facts

Prepare a Summary of Facts to disseminate to the department and address initial press inquiries. The summary should include the following:

• Date and Time of Incident
• Firefighter(s) name(s) and company (or companies)
• Address of Incident
• Incident Type (i.e., structure fire, vehicle collision, highway incident, haz mat, etc.)
• What Occurred (i.e., deceased was operating as part of a crew conducting a search, became separated from crew, etc.)
• Efforts to rescue/recover (i.e., RIT deployed, resuscitation efforts commenced, firefighter transported to nearest medical facility)
• Current status of incident (e.g., actively fighting fire, recovery, under control, etc.).
• Time of next briefing.

Written Statement Template

The Written Statement is issued as the department’s official announcement of the incident. The template below may assist you in preparing such an announcement for your department.

“The (Fire Department Name) is deeply saddened to announce the death of (rank, name, company assignment). (Rank, name) was operating at the scene of (incident type, physical address) when he/she sustained fatal injuries due to (circumstances as they are known, e.g., fall from a ladder, trapped by fire progression, lost/separated, caught in collapse, struck by vehicle, etc.). (Rank, name) is a (time in grade) member of the (Fire Department Name) and is survived by (family status).

The (Fire Department Name) asks that you respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time. An investigation of the circumstances surrounding this tragedy is under way and the (Fire Department Name) is prepared to fully cooperate as part of its commitment to (Rank, name)’s memory and sacrifice. Additional details surrounding (Rank, name)’s death will be published as they become available. The (Fire Department Name) is providing support to (Rank, name)’s family and co-workers.”

Media Briefing Template

A well-organized, structured and scheduled media briefing will assist in addressing media inquiries, concerns, and providing pertinent information. Consider the following:

• Select suitable location where media can gather and record briefing.
• Conduct a pre-briefing with media, outlining what will be covered and whether or not questions will be taken after the briefing.
• Have someone from the fire department record the entire briefing as well for future reference.
• Expect questions to be asked.
• Have details and statements written down for reference.
• Ask media to be respectful of deceased’s family wishes.
• Allow time for statements from local officials (i.e., mayor, town council chair, union president, etc.).
• Answer questions honestly. (It is ok to say you don’t know something versus being quoted regarding something that later turns out not to be true).
• Include when the next briefing will be conducted.
• Start and end on time.
• NOTE: Consider basic social media messaging initially and monitor social media platforms for potential misinformation