The National Fallen Firefighter Foundation?s Whistlestop Tour came to Bloomfileld, Ct. today. On the bus are the names of the all the LODD since the NFFF was formed, including former WLFD Chief Kenneth Jeffery. After being escorted into the Loew?s parking lot by the Ct. Firefighters Bagpipes, several speeches followed including ones by LODD survivor family members. [Photo Gallery]

The intention of the America?s Fire Heroes Whistle-Stop Tour is to educate and provide information to the public and firefighters on how personal responsibility and action are key to preventing fires and fire-related casualties. In addition, the public and fire service will be made aware of the mission of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the resources it makes available to the survivors and co-workers of fallen firefighters, and how the public can help with this mission.

The Tour involves fire departments, the general public, local, state, and federal officials, and the media in 20 stops across the country. Presentations regarding the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives, Everyone Goes Home? program and the Courage To Be Safe?So Everyone Goes Home? training class will be directed at the firefighter audience. An important part of these presentations will be the Untold Story of the Survivors in their own words. The public fire safety message will be delivered, and important information and other resources will be available.

The Tour began in San Francisco on April 5th and concludes in Boston on May 12th.

A proclamation identifying the period of the Tour as a period for ?Firefighter Appreciation? has been introduced to the Fire Service Caucus through Congressional Fire Services Institute Executive Director Bill Webb at the request of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

More information about the Tour can be found on the website:

http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/whistlestop