The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) announced that 67 scholarships totaling $535,648 had been given to the spouses, children and stepchildren of deceased firefighters for the 2026–2027 school year. There are 33 new awardees and 34 returning scholars this year. 

With at least $7.94 million in tuition assistance given to more than 1,800 students nationwide since the start of its scholarship program, the NFFF has over 30 years of experience helping families of firefighters who have lost their lives while performing their duties. The initiative guaranties that the accomplishments of their families carry on the legacy of dead firefighters by reducing the cost of higher education.

Scholarships are given out depending on an applicant's academic standing and financial need; individuals pursuing degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and public safety are given additional priority.

“Supporting the families of our nation’s fallen firefighters has always been at the heart of the NFFF,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF. “Through these scholarships, we can help erase some financial pressures and give students from our Fire Hero Families a chance to focus on their futures. Thanks to the generosity of our partners, we’re ensuring their aspirations stay in reach while honoring the lasting legacies of their loved ones.”

The Motorola Solutions Foundation, a benevolent and philanthropic division of Motorola Solutions that has supported the NFFF's work for more than 20 years, is one of the partners that enable the NFFF scholarship program.

The Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Scholarship, which offers financial assistance for college tuition, books, and other education-related costs, is one of the scholarship initiatives that the Motorola Solutions Foundation supports. The scholarship pays tribute to the longstanding senator from Maryland, whose work led to the establishment of NFFF and whose legacy of support for the fire service is carried on through the program's assistance to families of fallen firefighters. 

In 2005, the Motorola Solutions Foundation extended its collaboration with NFFF's scholarship program by introducing the Enhanced Scholarship Initiative (ESI), which offers bigger scholarship amounts to students pursuing degrees in public safety or STEM. As of right present, ESI has awarded 16 full-tuition scholarships worth close to $450,000.

"We are honored to continue our partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and support the families of our nation’s fallen firefighters in this meaningful and tangible way,” said Wesley Barden Touhy, executive director, Motorola Solutions Foundation. “Scholarships provide students with greater opportunity to pursue higher education, follow their dreams, and create a future filled with possibility without financial concerns standing in the way."

The Motorola Solutions Foundation provided support to 59 out of 67 scholarship recipients this academic year, including 27 students pursuing STEM degrees and one recipient in their final year of premedical studies.

“I am drawn to medicine because it combines scientific problem-solving with meaningful human connection, particularly during times of crisis and uncertainty,” said Brianna Marshall, a Motorola Enhanced Scholarship Initiative recipient. “My father, Rehoboth Fire Department Firefighter Kenneth D. Marshall, suffered a fatal heart attack while preparing to respond to an emergency call when I was just six years old. As a firefighter and EMT, he instilled in me the values of service, responsibility, and compassion. His legacy continues to inspire my pursuit of a career rooted in service, empathy, and resilience. I am deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity honors fallen firefighters and supports students striving to carry their legacy forward.”

In addition to the support of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the NFFF Scholarship Program is made possible through the generosity of the following scholarship partners and donors: Alan Patrick Sondej Scholarship Fun, Kenneth M. Hedrick Memorial Scholarship Fund, Sander Cohen Memorial Scholarship Fund, MissionSquare Retirement, National Association of State Fire Marshals, Global Health & Safety, Steel Family’s Fire Engine 5 Charitable Foundation, Ann & Frank Cahouet Foundation and Chief Elwood Banister Memorial Scholarship Fund.