The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Completed its Class, NFFF Fellows
EMMITSBURG, MD - The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) proudly announces the successful completion of its class of NFFF Fellows. These Fellows have fulfilled all requirements of the Foundation’s year-long leadership development program, designed to prepare emerging fire service leaders to engage peers, policy makers, regulators, and legislators on critical issues of firefighter survivability and quality of life.
The NFFF Fellowship, guided by the motto “Saving Tomorrow’s Lives Today,” equips participants through academic instruction, case studies and staff rides, networking with stakeholders, and the completion of a capstone practicum. Each cohort begins its journey at the annual Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) Dinner and Symposium in Washington, D.C., where Fellows receive advanced training in communications, legislative preparation, and leadership development before engaging directly with their representatives on Capitol Hill.
As part of their capstone experience, members of the graduating class presented a pre conference workshop at Fire-Rescue International (FRI) 2025 in Orlando, Florida. Their session, titled “NFFF PreCon: 4 Pillars for Firefighter Survival,” was presented by:
- Nick Baskerville
- Erin McGruder
- Micah Maxon
- Chris Fleming
- Hannah Riederich
- Tyler Mark
Additional Fellows fulfilled the practicum requirement through other significant projects,
including:
- Lindsay Judah
- Tim Cowan
- Jeremy Ayers
The Fellows will be formally recognized with commemorative plaques during the upcoming Advocate Summit in October, where they will be honored for their contributions and commitment to advancing firefighter safety nationwide.
“NFFF Fellows represent the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of the fire service,” said NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro. “We are proud to celebrate their achievements, their unwavering commitment to reducing line-of-duty deaths, and their dedication to improving the well-being of all firefighters. In doing so, they embody one of the fire service’s core values, a commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement.”
“The NFFF Fellowship is more than a program—it’s an investment in the future of the fire service,” said Danny Kistner, NFFF Fire Programs Director. “These Fellows have shown the drive and leadership needed to address the most pressing challenges facing firefighters today. Their accomplishments reflect a commitment not just to professional growth, but to saving lives and strengthening the fire service for generations to come.”
The NFFF congratulates the graduating Fellows and looks forward to the continued impact they will make in communities across the country.
About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) was established by the United States Congress in 1992 to lead a national effort in honoring America’s fallen firefighters. Since then, the Foundation has created powerful programs that pay lasting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while providing meaningful support to their families and colleagues. Through its close partnership with the fire service and its affiliate, the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE), the NFFF is also deeply committed to reducing firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries. To learn how you can support this important mission, visit www.firehero.org.