'Firefighter FITNESS: Fit to Serve, Fit for Life' Official Theme for Safety Stand Down 2026
Maintaining first responders' health, safety, and readiness to help their communities depends heavily on their level of fitness. The official theme for Safety Stand Down 2026, June 14–20, is "Firefighter FITNESS: Fit to Serve, Fit for Life," which focuses on the fundamentals of physical fitness, how they can be met over time, and sustainable strategies for long-term success in order to assist fire and emergency personnel of all ages and abilities in meeting these physical requirements.
The week will be divided into seven daily focus topics that walk responders through the elements that underpin these overarching objectives:
- Foundations (Sunday)
- Intentional (Monday)
- Technique (Tuesday)
- Nutrition (Wednesday)
- Evaluation (Thursday)
- Strategies (Friday)
- Success (Saturday)
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety, Health, and Survival Section, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA), and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) collaborated to create Safety Stand Down. The program, which takes place annually during the third week of June, aims to lower the incidence of avoidable injuries and fatalities in the fire and emergency services. Responder agencies are urged to halt all non-emergency operations throughout campaign week in support of Safety Stand Down in order to concentrate on instruction and training pertaining to this year's subject.
Resources to assist departments in preparing for and carrying out Safety Stand Down are available on the campaign website, www.safetystanddown.org. In the weeks leading up to the event, further resources and weekly action plans will be made available.
In order to increase awareness and promote a deeper comprehension of this year's theme, NFPA will also hold the Fire Service Safety Stand Down Quiz once more. A limited-edition commemorative Safety Stand Down challenge coin will be awarded to 200 randomly chosen individuals who successfully complete the online quiz.
In the months preceding the campaign, stay tuned to www.safetystanddown.org for additional details and resources. Periodically, new information will be added.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous material response, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders. Learn more at www.iafc.org.
About the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.
About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Founded in 1896, NFPA® is a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at nfpa.org/freeaccess.
About the Fire Department Safety Officer Association (FDSOA)
The Fire Department Safety Officers Association was established in 1989 as a non-profit Association. Its mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue, and emergency services community. The FDSOA plays a crucial role in addressing health and safety challenges facing firefighters globally, with a focus on Safety Officers. In fact, so critical is the role of the Safety Officer in every department in the country and internationally that we train and offer Pro Board Certifications for the Incident Safety Officer and Health Safety Officer to ensure the knowledge needed and skillsets to be successful. FDSOA works to help you achieve proficiency, promote the recognition of your skills and secure your future. The FDSOA is here to provide individual fire departments resources, training, and guidance on everyday safety initiatives along with a focus on crucial health and wellness topics including occupational cancer, cardiac health, and the mental well-being of first responders, as well as resources for the Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) and Fleet Managers.
About the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is the driving force behind every advance in the fire and emergency services in the 21st century. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., and Ottawa, Ontario, the IAFF represents more than 344,000 professional fire fighters, emergency medical workers, and rescue workers. Our members protect more than 85 percent of the population throughout the United States and Canada.