Firefighters urged to follow new procedures in honoring deceased members
Members of the National Volunteer Fire Council have been advised of new procedures that they should follow upon learning of the death of a firefighter in the line of duty. At a joint council meeting held recently, it was announced that flags will be lowered at the Firefighters’ Monument when word is received of a firefighter’s death in the line of duty.
In addition, members are urged to take the following steps immediately upon learning of a death in the line of duty in order to honor those who have given their lives in protection of their fellow citizens.
- Learn the name of the firefighter, the department, the city or community served by the department, the name of the fire chief, and the name of the firefighter’s next of kin.
- Call the office of the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration at: 1-800-638-9600. Give them as much of this information as you have available. They will work on obtaining the missing pieces.
Members are asked to remember that this call must be made promptly in order to ensure that those who have sacrificed their lives will be properly and appropriately recognized.
Any fire department needing assistance with this matter may call the National Volunteer Fire Council Director in their state.
