When he made the announcement at FDIC, the audience erupted in thunderous applause.
The 12 military firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice will be honored along with others during the annual ceremony in Maryland this October, Siarnicki said Friday.
"It was really the right thing to do, they deserve the same recognition," he said.
In 2006, while speaking at the dedication of a monument honoring fallen Department of Defense firefighters, Siarnicki told the crowd of his intention.
The DOD has provided the foundation with the names of a dozen firefighters who meet the criteria to be honored.
Those active military personnel who are assigned to firefighting crews, and die while performing their duty in a fire, will be eligible.
NFFF Board Chairman Dennis Compton said the board felt it was right to bestow the honor. He said the group was happy to make the necessary changes.
"It was an oversight that the military firefighters were not included from the very beginning," Compton said in a telephone interview.
Cathy Hedrick, who lost her firefighter son, lauded the board for its decision. "I am so pleased. This is certainly wonderful news. I know the families will appreciate it..."
Susan Nicol | News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
