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2021 RESOURCE GUIDE
WAYS TO HONOR FALLEN FIREFIGHTERSIN YOUR COMMUNITY
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
#FIREHERO2021
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is pleased to offer this resource guide to help you plan and share your remembrance leading up to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on October 3, 2021. This guide contains ideas, messages, artwork, and more to help you participate in this tribute.
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, the official national tribute sponsored by the Foundation, honors all firefighters who died in the line of duty. Although we could not be together in Emmitsburg in 2020, the Foundation will honor our nation’s fallen heroes in Emmitsburg once again at the 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Please join us as we remember the lives of 82 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2019, 87 who died in the line of duty in 2020, and 46 firefighters who died in previous years.
OVERVIEW
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
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TRIBUTE RESOURCES
The 2020 and 2021 Roll of HonorVisit our 2020 Roll of Honor and 2021 Roll of Honor onine to read about the firefighters being honored this year. Profiles include a photo and biography of each fallen firefighter. To learn more about these fallen firefighters and all who are included in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial visit the Roll of Honor at: www.firehero.org/fallen-firefighters.
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
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Share the Tribute with Family and FriendsJoin us online for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend and invite family and friends to watch and participate in this year’s Memorial Weekend and America’s Tribute to Fallen Firefighters. Leading up to the Weekend, we’ll be sharing special coverage and ways that you can get involved on our social media channels. Change your profile photo, add a frame, share our posts, or a graphic in remembrance. Together we can ensure that our Fire Hero Families know that they are not alone and that we will never forget the sacrifice of their loved ones.
Sign the Virtual Remembrance BannerThe Remembrance Banner is a National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend tradition. On our virtual Remembrance Banner page you can pay tribute to a fallen firefighter or share a special Memorial Weekend story. Sign the banner at: www.firehero.org/remembrance-banner.
Watch or Show the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will provide web streaming of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. You can watch the Memorial Service on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at 10:00 am (ET) at www.firehero.org or on the Foundation’s Facebook page.
Watch a Forever in Our Hearts® Hero TributeDuring past National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekends, families have recorded a Hero Tribute video to share memories of their firefighter. You can remember too. Watch their story at: www.firehero.org/hero-tribute
Feature Heroes on Your WebsiteYou can pay tribute on your website by including the National Fallen Firefighters Tribute Widget. Learn more at: www.firehero.org/widget.
WAYS TO HONOR THE FALLEN
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
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SAMPLE PROCLAMATION
Whereas, the United States Congress and the President of the United States have designated the day of the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service as a day to honor firefighters and emergency services personnel who have sacrificed their lives to save others by lowering the American flag on all federal buildings to half-staff; and Whereas, an average of 80 firefighters courageously make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty each year; and
Whereas, firefighters and emergency services personnel play an essential role in the protection of lives and property in our local community; and
Whereas, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service marks the beginning of the Fire Prevention Week 2021 observance; and
Whereas, it is of major importance that we increase our efforts to reduce deaths, injuries, and property losses from fire;
Therefore, I (title) of the (municipality), now call upon all citizens of the (municipality) and upon all patriotic, civic, and educational organizations to observe the day of October 3, 2021, in recognition of the patriotic service and dedicated efforts of our fire and emergency services personnel by lowering American flags on all buildings to half-staff.
I respectfully encourage these same organizations as well as the citizens of the (municipality) to remember all fire and emergency personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community and to pay respect to the families of our fallen heroes by participating in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters. Toll a bell, pause for a moment of silence, or read a special passage to honor the sacrifices of these public servants and their families. I encourage our citizens to honor fire and emergency services personnel, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to duties, have rendered invaluable service to our community and its citizens.
(A section on Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters and Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters activities could be inserted here.)
In witness thereof, I have hereto set my hand and caused the Seal of the (municipality) to be affixed.
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
#FIREHERO2021
LIGHT THE NIGHT FOR FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS
As part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, the Foundation will continue it’s annual tradition of Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. Individuals, landmarks and fire departments throughout the United States will light up in “red” to honor our fallen firefighters. This tradition which began in 2017, will light the nation again this year from September 26 - October 3, 2021, to show support for our Fire Hero Families and their co-workers. We encourage you to light your home, business, or share sites near you that would light in tribute to our nation’s fallen firefighters.
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
#FIREHERO2021
LIGHTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can we buy red lights for our home? You may find red light bulbs at your local hardware or big-box store. You may consider using a red spotlight. Bulbs can also be found online, through our Amazon Associates program or visit the Home Depot’s website. Your purchase through our Amazon Associates program will benefit the programs of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to honor America’s fallen heroes, assist their families, and prevent firefighter deaths and injuries.
Where can we buy lights for our fire department?If your department, agency, or organization does not already have red lighting installed, you may consider a red spotlight. Your organization can purchase special filters/gels at: us.rosco.com/en/light-night-fallen-firefighters-rosco. Members may also choose to light their homes with a red light bulb in support of our fallen firefighters. A variety of bulbs can be found online, through our Amazon Associates program.
How does the Foundation know that we honored the fallen firefighters?We ask that you sign up on our website and provide some detail about your tribute. Once you are signed up to hold your own Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters event, please post photos, stories, and/or videos on social media using the hashtags #nffflightthenight2021 #firehero2021. You can also E-mail photos and videos to Donna Clark at [email protected].
How can we get our community to participate?You may use the outreach materials included in this guide to get your local media involved in sharing your event with the community. We urge you to share Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters with other civic organizations, churches, and institutions in your community. If you are a fire service organization or department, you can challenge other departments and/or organizations to participate.
What night should we participate?The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will be held October 3, 2021. You can participate in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters any night from September 26 - October 3, 2021.
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
#FIREHERO2021
PLAN YOUR LIGHT TRIBUTE
1. Plan Your Light TributeIn 2021, we invite individuals, companies, fire departments, and fire service organizations to participate in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. You can set a date and time for your Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters tribute, anytime between September 26 – October 3, 2021.
2. Organize Your Materials & Test Your PlanIf your organization does not already have red lighting installed in the bays, you can also consider a red spotlight. Departments can also purchase special filters for their lights at: www.rosco.com/light-the-night.
3. Sign Up to ParticipateWe want to recognize your participation on our website, visit www.firehero.org/lights-signup to share your event with the NFFF. Your event will be listed on our website and pinned on our special Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters map.
4. Promote Your EventOnce you have planned your tribute, please share the event with your community through your social media, digital signboard, community newsletters, etc. Contact your local media and send a media advisory about your tribute to the nation’s fallen firefighters.
5. Hold Your Event & Share Your StoryThe Foundation will show our families how their loved ones were honored and would like to collect photos and stories to give future participants ideas. Email us at [email protected] and/or share with #nffflightthenight2021.
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
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LIGHTS PRINT & DIGITAL GRAPHICS
Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters Website & Social Media Graphics
For all Graphics visit www.firehero.org/light-the-night
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
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SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS
On October 3, 2021, I will be honored during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
We are proud to join landmarks, fire departments, and communities across the country for Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. As we shine our light for these heroes, we ask that you pause for a moment to reflect on the great sacrifice of these brave men and women and to think about their loved ones.
[PAUSE FOR 5 SECONDS]
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
#FIREHERO2021
LIGHTS MEDIA ADVISORY TEMPLATE
Customize the media advisory template and distribute to local media to raise awareness and generate participation in your event.
For Immediate ReleaseContact: Your Media Contact Information
*** Media Alert ***Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters
Tribute to Take Place at YOUR LOCATION National remembrance honors firefighters who died in the line of duty
Who: [List your department/organization name]
What: [Provide a brief description of the event. (e.g. YOUR ORGANIZATION joins the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and other organizations in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters, as part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. )
When: [Event date and time]
Where: [Event address]
Why: Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters is a nationwide tribute to firefighters who died in the line of duty.
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
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LIGHTS PRESS RELEASE TEMPLATE
For Immediate ReleaseContact: Your Media Contact Information
YOUR LOCATION/ORGANIZATION Shines a Light for Fallen Firefighters
Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters Part of National Memorial Service
CITY, STATE – As dusk turns to dark during the first weekend of October, more than 500 iconic buildings, landmarks and fire departments across the country will glow in respect to the fallen and their families for Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. Participants include One World Trade Center in New York City, Wells Fargo’s Duke Energy Center in Charlotte, the Wrigley Building in Chicago, the Skydance Bridge in Oklahoma City, and the LAX Pylons in Los Angeles. This nationwide lighting, sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), leads up to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on October 3. The YOUR LOCATION/ORGANIZATION will light up in tribute on DATE, TIME.
SAMPLE QUOTE: “YOUR LOCATION/ORGANIZATION is honored to take part in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters,” said NAME. “We are proud to add our light to this radiant nationwide tribute. Our lights shine bright, not only in memory of America’s fallen heroes, but in support of their loved ones.”
During the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, 82 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2019, 67 who died in the line of duty in 2020, and 46 firefighters who died in previous years will be honored. A bronze plaque bearing the names of the fallen will be officially added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
A complete list of fallen firefighters being honored, along with related videos, photos, media and streaming information, is available at weekend.firehero.org.
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
#FIREHERO2021
TOLLING OF THE BELL
Long before there were telephones and radios in use in America, fire departments utilized the telegraph to receive fire alarms from those once-familiar red fire alarm boxes which stood on practically every street corner of our nation’s cities.
When a firefighter died in the line of duty, the Fire Alarm Office, the forerunner of today’s computerized Fire Communications Centers, would “tap out” a special signal, “Five-Five-Five” over the telegraph fire alarm circuits which went to all station houses.
Done for the purpose of notification, and as a sign of honor and respect, such symbolism has been a long-honored fire service tradition which still continues in some cities today.
We utilize these traditions as symbols of honor and respect for those who have given so much and served so well. And so, for those who have selflessly devoted their lives for the good of their communities and fellow citizens, the bell tolls their last alarm, for they have gone home.
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
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PLAN YOUR BELLS EVENT
1. Plan Your EventReach out to your place of worship, local fire department(s), or any community groups that you are involved in to organize a tribute for fallen firefighters.
2. Sign Up to ParticipateVisit www.firehero.org/bells-signup to share your event with the Foundation. We will list your event on our website and on our special Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters map.
3. Promote Your EventOnce you have planned your event, invite family, friends, and neighbors using social media, E-mail, newsletters, and online communities.
4. Hold Your EventYour remembrance can occur at any time between October 2 - 3, 2021.
5. Share Your StoryThe National Fallen Firefighters Foundation would like to show our families how their loved ones were honored. We would also like to give future participants ideas to plan an event in their community. Email us at [email protected] and/or share with #bellsforfirefighters2021
Bells will ring from coast to coast as a grateful nation pauses on Sunday, October 3, 2021, to honor those firefighters who died in the line of duty. Fire departments, places of worship, and other community organizations will join us again for Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters.Take part in this national tribute by holding your own local event.
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BELLS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What time should the bells ring?Bells can be rung at any time of the day. The bells at the Memorial Chapel will ring at approximately 10:00 am (EDT) to begin National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Different time zones, timing of local services and other factors play a role so you and your organization should decide what is best for your group.
Is there a program or script that we need to follow?Work with your organization to decide what is best. Some suggested service ideas could include: a moment of silence, a brief prayer, a hymn, a bell toll by members of the fire department, or any combination of these.
My organization doesn’t have bells. What can we do instead?You can still have a moment of silence, prayer, song or other form of remembrance during your event. You can also ring a ceremonial bell during the service if you have one. Work with your organization to decide what’s right for your event.
My church has multiple services on Sundays and can’t ring the bells at each one. Can we just ring the bells once?Absolutely. You may want to have a moment of remembrance at each service and inform the congregants that the bells will ring in honor of the fallen firefighters at a certain time. Work with your clergy to decide what is best.
Do we have to ring the bells a certain number of times?You can ring the bells in any manner.
I’m not affiliated with a fire department, can I still organize an event?Yes, we want as many people as possible to show their respect for the nation’s fallen firefighters and their families. We invite fire departments, religious organizations, community groups, scouting groups, fraternal organizations, civic associations, and high school, college and recreational sports teams to participate.
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
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BELLS EVENT PRINT & DIGITAL GRAPHICS
Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters Website & Social Media Graphics
For all Graphics visit www.BellsAcross America.com
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
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BELLS MEDIA ADVISORY TEMPLATE
Customize the media advisory template and distribute to local media to raise awareness and generate participation in your event.
For Immediate ReleaseContact: Your Media Contact Information
*** Media Alert ***Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters
Event to Take Place at YOUR LOCATION National remembrance honors firefighters who died in the line of duty
Who: [List names of officials/dignitaries attending your event]
What: [Provide a brief description of the event. (e.g. YOUR ORGANIZATION joins the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and other organizations in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, as part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.)
When: [Event date and time]
Where: [Event address]
Why: Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters is a nationwide tribute to firefighters who died in the line of duty.
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
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BELLS PRESS RELEASE TEMPLATE
For Immediate ReleaseContact: Your Media Contact Information
Join a Nationwide Tribute for Fallen FirefightersBells Across America for Fallen Firefighters Part of the
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service
CITY, STATE – Since the early days of the fire service, bells have been used as a way to summon firefighters to a station, communicate the type of emergency, or announce the end of a shift. When a firefighter died in the line of duty, a special sequence of five bells was tapped. The tolling of bells is still a tradition to honor the fallen during funerals and memorial services for firefighters.You can be part of a national tradition to honor the memories of firefighters who died in the line of duty and show your support for their families. Join the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters. This poignant tribute coincides with the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, on October 3. The moment of remembrance will occur at DATE, TIME, and LOCATION.
SAMPLE QUOTE: “Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters is a unique, grass-roots opportunity for a community to pay their respects to these brave men and women,” said NAME. “It is also a very meaningful way to show the families of the fallen that their loved ones will not be forgotten.”
A complete list of fallen firefighters being honored and a widget to display their information on your website, along with ways to watch the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, related videos, photos, and media is available at weekend.firehero.org.
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SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS
On October 3, 2021, 82 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2019, 67 who died in the line of duty in 2020, and 46 firefighters will be honored during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
We are proud to take part in the Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters tribute. We ask you to pause for a moment to reflect on the great sacrifice of these brave firefighters and to think about their loved ones.
[PAUSE FOR 5 SECONDS]
NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATIONWWW.FIREHERO.ORG
EMMITSBURGPO DRAWER 498
EMMITSBURG, MD 21727301-447-1365
301-447-1645 (FAX)
CROFTON2130 PRIEST BRIDGE DRIVE, SUITE 6
CROFTON, MD 21114410-721-6212
410-721-6213 (FAX)
®
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
