New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Honored for Commitment to Firefighter Life Safety

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) was awarded the Seal of Excellence Award during the Code Fearless Concert held May 22, 2008. Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, presented the Seal of Excellence Award to Chief Salvatore J. Cassano in recognition of the department-wide dedication to firefighter life safety and for joining our mission to make sure Everyone Goes Home®.

The purpose of the Seal of Excellence program is to recognize an individual, group, or fire, rescue, EMS department that demonstrates the commitment to the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives, commitment to firefighter health and safety and for its contributions to reducing the number of firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries. It is a way to show appreciation and recognize those individuals or organizations that are making a difference.

“We’re proud to present the Seal of Excellence Award to the New York City Fire Department under the leadership of Chief Salvatore J. Cassano for their commitment to firefighter life safety,” said Chief Siarnicki. He noted, “FDNY has a long tradition of innovation and developing new techniques to protect the citizens of New York City and the members of its department. Through Chief Cassano’s leadership, the creation of a Courage to Be SafeSM video tailored to the needs of FDNY was developed. This new video was produced by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in partnership with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and will be shown in each FDNY station to ensure Everyone Goes Home®.”

About the Everyone Goes Home® Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Program
Everyone Goes Home® is a national program by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to prevent line-of-duty deaths and injuries. In March 2004, a Firefighter Life Safety Summit was held to address the need for change within the fire service.

Through this meeting, the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives were produced and a program was born to ensure that Everyone Goes Home®. For more information about the Everyone Goes Home® Program visit www.everyonegoeshome.com.


About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)
The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers. With the support of fire and life safety organizations and funding from Fireman’s Fund and the Department of Homeland Security, the NFFF launched a major initiative to reduce firefighter deaths. Its goal is to reduce line-of-duty firefighter deaths by 25 percent in five years. For more information on the Foundation and its programs contact us at 301-447-1365 or visit www.firehero.org.