BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

Fire fighters and paramedics are exposed to trauma every day on the job. Over time, repeated exposure can take a toll on mental health. The IAFF Foundation provides resources and support to IAFF members when they need it, including behavioral health education and peer support through the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery, a first-of-its-kind facility exclusively for IAFF members.

OCCUPATIONAL CANCER SUPPORT

The IAFF is committed to preventing and reducing cancer in the fire service and assisting members with cancer with patient support, treatment and recovery.

To honor that commitment, the IAFF Foundation supports and participates in occupational cancer research, provides and promotes cancer prevention and education materials and provides support through diagnosis and recovery.

The IAFF works in collaboration with the Fire Fighter Cancer Support Network and the American Cancer Society (ACS) to further cancer-related support, awareness and research.

DISASTER RELIEF

When disasters strike, IAFF members are on the frontlines helping citizens in their communities around the clock with no time check on their homes and families.
When fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and civil disturbances occur, the IAFF Foundation provides assistance and resources, including peer support, to help impacted members get back on their feet. The Foundation’s Disaster Relief program provides immediate financial relief to members whose homes are destroyed or severely damaged by disaster.

FALLEN FIRE FIGHTER MEMORIAL

Located in the shadow of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial honors fallen IAFF members who have died in the line of duty since 1918. The names of members who make the ultimate sacrifice are engraved on the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Wall of Honor.
Each September, the IAFF holds a memorial service recognizing and celebrating the lives of members whose names are added to the Wall of Honor. The annual ceremony remains an uplifting service for the families, friends and loved ones, commemorating the lives, heroism and accomplishments of our union’s bravest of the brave.

SURVIVOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Children of fallen IAFF members are eligible to apply for the W.H. “Howie” McClennan Scholarship Fund. The scholarship helps surviving children pay for secondary education. McClennan, the fund’s namesake, served as IAFF General President from 1968-1980 after previously serving as Boston Local 718 president and IAFF 3rd District Vice President.

Find more scholarship assistance here.

BURN SUPPORT AND YOUNG BURN SURVIVOR SUMMIT

Through the Foundation, the IAFF provides assistance to members who suffer burn injuries, creates awareness to help prevent burns, and helps with advocacy, research, financial relief and behavioral health. The Foundation supports burn survivors with related medical bills and peer support services through Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery), which offers confidential support from a trained peer supporter.

The Foundation also hosts the Burn Support and Young Burn Survivor Summit for burn survivors ages 13-15. Fire fighter camp counselors accompany each young burn survivor to the Nation’s Capital for a week of uplifting activities. The experience helps young burn survivors understand that they are not alone and there is a support system for them if they need it.