They're from California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio and other places. Regardless of where they call home, they all have something in common. All have lost a firefighter in the line of duty.
Now, those grieving parents, wives, brothers, sisters and children are reaching out to others who suddenly find themselves smack in the middle of their worst nightmare. Helping, they say, has given them purpose, a reason to continue living.
Thirty-five people attending the first Fire Service Survivors' Conference in Maryland this week are sharing experiences as they learn skills to go on despite the void in their lives.
Sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation the sessions are geared to people whose loved ones have already been honored at the annual memorial service in Emmitsburg.
"This is a good turnout for the first conference," said Linda Hurley, NFFF chief of staff. "Many people may have had other commitment."
Survivors had to pay for their own expenses to attend the conference, funded by a $1 million Department of Justice grant.
NFFF Executive Director Ron Siarnicki said recently that the families of America
