National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Honored by the Johnny Mac Foundation for Commitment to Supporting Firefighter Families
Emmitsburg, Maryland - February 3, 2025 — The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is proud to be recognized as an honoree at the 14th Johnny Mac Foundation Wish Gala on February 8 for its dedicated work supporting firefighter families through the Hal Bruno Camps for Children of Fallen Firefighters.
The Johnny Mac Foundation was established in honor of FDNY Firefighter John F. McNamara, who passed away in 2009 from 9/11-related cancer. John’s legacy continues through the Foundation’s commitment to aiding firefighter families and promoting community resilience. Honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in 2017, John’s memory lives on as a symbol of service, courage, and sacrifice.
The Hal Bruno Camps, organized by NFFF in partnership with Comfort Zone Camp, provide a safe and supportive environment where children who have lost a firefighter parent can connect, heal, and grow. John McNamara’s son, who is also an NFFF Scholarship recipient studying Fire Science, attended these camps until he graduated from high school, finding comfort and camaraderie among peers who shared similar experiences.
“It is a profound honor to be recognized by the Johnny Mac Foundation,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of NFFF. “The courage and resilience displayed by the families of our fallen heroes inspire us every day. This award is a testament to the importance of providing care and connection for children who have faced such great loss.”
NFFF remains committed to honoring the fallen, supporting their families, and working tirelessly to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. This recognition further motivates the Foundation to expand its outreach and support services for the firefighting community.
For more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and its programs, please visit www.firehero.org.
About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)
The U.S. 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 co-workers. The NFFF also works throughout the fire service to help reduce preventable line-of-duty deaths and injuries.
For more information about the Foundation, visit www.firehero.org.
