“I’ve reached the point where I’m ready to make a change.”
And, that’s just what Ron Siarnicki will do in December when he steps aside as the executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
“The foundation is solid. I’m proud of the growth,” he said. “It’s been a great journey. I’ve decided the time is right.”
The former Prince George’s County, MD fire chief took the reins of the NFFF in 2001, just months before the Sept. 11 attacks.
Siarnicki headed for New York City where he spent months assisting firefighters and their families. It was an experience he’ll never forget.
He took those valuable lessons learned and used them as he guided the foundation.
The annual National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service has expanded over the years to include activities for children as well as support sessions specific to people associated with the firefighter, such as spouses, children, fellow firefighters, chiefs and parents.
Siarnicki called the dedication and work of the NFFF staff, survivors and fire service volunteers phenomenal. He’s especially proud of the team effort.
During his tenure, the foundation created the Hal Bruno Camp for children of fallen firefighters as well as a scholarship program.
As the numbers of firefighters who died in the line of duty increased, he was determined to do something. He was not going to sit idly by.
“Preventing the line-of-duty deaths is very important to me,” Siarnicki said.
He spearheaded a session in Tampa where fire service officials from around the country gathered to not only discuss the issue but come up with possible solutions.
During that conference, the 16 Life Safety Initiatives were created as a roadmap for firefighters to reduce the number of fatalities.
Classes promoting the safe practices are taught in fire stations across the nation.
Siarnicki knows the impact a firefighter death can have on a department. That’s why he established a local assistance state team (LAST) comprised of people from each state.
In addition to offering to help plan the funeral, LAST members assist the families in filing the necessary paperwork for benefits.
Siarnicki said it’s been an honor to help the survivors and is confident that the programs he initiated will continue and thrive.
“I loved the interactions and relationships I’ve formed through the years. I’ve met some incredible people along the way,” he said.
He noted that it was important for him to represent the foundation at various conferences and functions.
While he won’t be dashing through airports and keeping suitcases with climate-appropriate clothes at the ready on a regular basis, he won’t be grounded either.
“I’m still going to be involved,” he said, adding that he’s agreed to stay on as a consultant for two years.
As the pace slows down, Siarnicki’s looking forward to spending time on the bay, at the farm, working on his fire trucks and other projects that have been waiting.
“I’m ready….”
