National Firefighter and First Responder Survivor Support Programs

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) proposes to implement the National Firefighter and First Responder Survivor Support Programs. The purpose is to collaborate with the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance to provide essential support to the families and agencies of emergency responders who have died in the line of duty. The NFFF expects to raise awareness of the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) programs, which offer death, disability, and educational assistance, thereby enhancing the Bureau’s ability to deliver these benefits to the families of firefighters and first responders who have been killed or catastrophically injured while serving their communities.

The NFFF offers a range of activities through its Family Programs and the NFFF’s Local Assistance State Teams (LAST), available in every state. LAST teams provide immediate support, including coordinating interim staffing, guiding funeral and memorial arrangements, and offering behavioral health services to coworkers and volunteers. LAST members are trained to help families navigate the PSOB benefits application process and can also advise on state, local, and other benefits.

To support those affected by line-of-duty deaths, including deaths by suicide and COVID-19, the NFFF has developed peer support and counseling services for families of career, volunteer, and wildland firefighters and first responders from federal, state, local, and tribal departments. These programs are based on recognized support and counseling practices and continuously evolve to better serve the families and coworkers of fallen and catastrophically injured firefighters and first responders. The NFFF also expands its peer support networks for department chiefs, incident commanders, company officers, crew bosses, direct supervisors, and other coworkers of the deceased.

Recognizing the emotional, social, and financial impacts on the families of fallen first responders, the NFFF assists in securing PSOB benefits to address their financial needs. The organization also provides ongoing support through counseling, peer support, bereavement camps, and retreats for children and adults. These activities aim to foster community and help families connect with others who have experienced similar losses, thereby building a supportive network.

The NFFF’s service area includes all states and territories, and its intended beneficiaries are the families of firefighters and first responders who have died or been catastrophically injured in the line of duty. By providing comprehensive support and resources, the NFFF seeks to honor the sacrifices of fallen firefighters and ensure that their families receive the necessary assistance to navigate their grief and rebuild their lives.