When a firefighter dies in the line of duty, their family may feel overwhelmed as they look for the support and services they need. Many fire service organizations are ready to offer assistance to the survivors. But not all can provide quality services to the extent that is needed, and funds may not always be directed appropriately to the survivors. The families need to know who they can trust. And donors need to know which organizations will use their donations properly.

In an effort to help identify which organizations are trustworthy, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has established the Fire Service Survivor Support Consortium. Only organizations that have displayed sound fiscal management and can deliver the services they offer are included in the Consortium.

The Fire Service Survivor Support Consortium is committed to advocating, assisting and supporting the families and co-workers of America's fallen firefighters. As an active member of the Consortium, organizations will be able to "co-brand" with the Foundation to demonstrate this alliance. Approved organizations will have direct input to the Consortium's efforts and will be recognized on the Foundation's website with a link to their site.

"There are many fire service organizations with good intentions for helping the families of the fallen, but the outpouring can be overwhelming, and it can be difficult to know which ones are legitimate and fiscally sound," explained Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF. "Through the Consortium, survivors and potential donors will have confidence that these organizations can meet their needs," he said.

The four organizations that have been approved by the Consortium to date are: The FDNY Foundation which assists the City of New York Fire Department; the Fallen Firefighters Survivors Foundation which provides financial assistance to survivors across the country; the Wildland Firefighter Foundation which supports families of firefighters killed or injured in wildland fires; and the Steel Family Charitable Trust, Inc.

For more information about the Fire Service Survivor Support Consortium, visit www.firehero.org/consortium.