There are two special campaigns happening to recognize fallen firefighters, both in Missouri and nationwide.
Missouri Firefighters Memorial and Museum
Missouri residents are encouraged to memorialize, honor or show appreciation for a fire fighter, veteran or other individual by purchasing a flag to be posted at the Missouri Fire Fighter’s Memorial in Kingdom City, MO.
For a $35 donation a flag will be placed at the memorial from May 13, until the week after Memorial Day. After this, the flag will be mailed back to the donor. Proceeds will benefit to the Missouri Fire Fighters museum project.
In 2012, there were 65 flags waving in the breeze for travelers along I-70 to see. The goal for 2013 is to have at least 300 flags.
Flags can be ordered by sending a check (payable to FFAM MUSEUM) or money order to: Dr. Ron Baker, Director of Development, FFAM MUSEUM, P.O. Box 245, Fulton, MO 65251. Please include the purchaser’s name, address and phone number; the name of the person designated; whether it is in memory, honor, or appreciation and if the individual is a fire fighter or veteran (include branch of service).
The deadline for purchasing the flags is April 24. For additional information, email Dr. Ron Baker, Director of Development, FFAM MUSEUM, or call 573-220-8344.
West, Texas Firefighter and EMS Fallen Hero Fund
In light of the tragic explosion in West, Texas, and in cooperation with local support efforts, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has established a national fund to accept monetary donations to assist the survivors and coworkers of the fire and EMS personnel who died in the line of duty. Checks can be mailed to:
NFFF c/o West, Texas Fire and EMS Fallen Hero Fund
P.O. Drawer 498
Emmitsburg, MD 21727.
Donations also can be made by credit card at www.regonline.com/westtx. All donated funds will be used to assist the survivors and coworkers to rebuild their lives and support the programs and services they will need.
As a result of the blast, the station along with the apparatus, equipment and turn-out gear were destroyed or badly damaged. If you would like to donate these items, please send a message with your contact information to www.firehero.org/contact and the Foundation will share this with the West, Texas department.
“This fire and explosion have devastated the entire town in which so many people know and care about each other,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF. “We want to ensure the survivors and coworkers of those who died in the line of duty know that the entire fire service family is holding them in our hearts and doing all we can to offer support.”
As part of the Foundation’s mission to assist the survivors of the fallen, the Texas LAST (Local Assistance State Team) was activated on Wednesday night to provide support to local officials and public safety personnel in West.
The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers. The NFFF also works closely with the U.S. Fire Administration to help prevent and reduce line-of- duty deaths and injuries. For more information on the Foundation and its programs contact us at 301-447-1365 or visit www.firehero.org.
Disclaimer: All information has been obtained from sources believed by CCFR to be accurate and reliable. Please consult your tax advisor for specific tax and charitable donation advice.