John Tippett, Director of Fire Programs, Announces Retirement from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Emmitsburg, MD – After several years of dedicated service to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and a distinguished 44-year career in the fire service, John Tippett, Director of Fire Programs, has announced his retirement, effective December 20, 2024. Since joining the Foundation in April 2018, John has been a driving force behind numerous innovations in firefighter safety and wellness while maintaining the legacy of the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives established two decades ago.
During his tenure, John’s leadership and vision profoundly impacted the NFFF’s mission to reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries. His contributions include pioneering new safety programs, producing valuable training materials, and fostering outreach across the fire service community.
Key accomplishments under John’s leadership include:
- Creation of the Uniformed Support Groups, providing essential peer support to fire service leaders and coworkers following line-of-duty deaths.
- Development of staff rides for structural fires, offering in-depth lessons from historical incidents.
- Launching multiple training programs through the Fire Hero Learning Network, enhancing online learning for fire service professionals.
- Strengthening connections with the wildland fire service to address unique safety challenges.
- Enhancements to the Taking Care of Our Own® program, providing vital support during times of loss.
- Establishing the “Day of Leadership” seminars, fostering professional growth across the fire service.
- Producing After Action Podcasts and Memorial Monday Tributes to honor and learn from line-of-duty incidents prior to 1981.
“John has been a pillar of our Fire Programs division, a steadfast leader, and a true innovator,” said NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro. “His contributions have not only advanced our mission but also created a lasting legacy of safety and support for the fire service.”
Please join the NFFF in celebrating John Tippett’s remarkable career and wishing him well in this next chapter of his life.
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About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to honor America's fallen firefighters. The mission is to honor America's fallen fire heroes; support their families, colleagues, and organizations; and work to reduce preventable firefighter death and injury. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park includes the National Fallen Firefighters Monument, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel, a brick Walk of Honor®, the To Lift a Nation – 9/11Memorial, and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Bell of Remembrance. Information about the NFFF and the Memorial Park can be found here.
