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About the Memorial
The IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Foundation was founded in 1976 to recognize and honor past and future professional fire fighters and emergency medical personnel who are killed in the line of duty and to provide funds and assistance to the surviving spouses and children of those members. In 1986, the IAFF and the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Foundation completed a permanent tribute to its members, the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The centerpiece of the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial is a bronze likeness of a fire fighter descending a ladder while cradling an infant in one arm. Towering 20 feet above the park’s surface, “Somewhere, Everyday” epitomizes the courage and bravery displayed daily by professional fire fighters across the continent. In 1989, the IAFF erected the first of two granite walls to bear the names of fallen IAFF members. The names of brothers and sisters killed in the line of duty have been etched here since. Although thousands have died throughout our union’s history, the names on this wall date back only through 1976, when the U.S. federal government first began tracking line-of-duty deaths in the fire service.
Additional upgrades over the final years of the
20th century transformed this tribute to our
fallen family members into a memorial of
international stature. Paving stone, monument
lighting, flag standards and walkways now
beautify this hallowed place, creating an
atmosphere of dignity and reverence for all who
visit. As the original wall has filled to near
capacity with names of fallen heroes, a second
wall was erected just a few steps from the
original wall of honor. In a ceremony fraught
with irony, this new memorial wall was dedicated
on September 15, 2001, four days after terrorist
attacks claimed 347 of our New York City
brothers. The Memorial Foundation has plans to
add to the memorial sites all the names of
professional fire fighters and emergency medical
personnel who have died since the founding of
the IAFF in 1918.
Each September, the IAFF conducts a solemn ceremonial service at the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial and Wall of Honor to honor the sacrifice made by professional fire fighters and paramedics who have given their lives in the line of duty during the previous year.
The IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Foundation is governed by an eight-member Board of Directors and is chaired by IAFF General President Harold A. Schaitberger. Its offices are located at the IAFF headquarters in Washington, DC.
The IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Corporation. Tax deductible contributions can be sent to:
IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Foundation
1750 New York Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 737-8484, ext. 639(O);
(202) 824-8639(Direct);
(202) 737-8418(F)
Click here for
directions to the memorial
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