The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which honors the nation’s fallen firefighters and works to reduce line-of-duty deaths, and Hero Rush, the firefighter-themed obstacle race and experience debuting in Maryland on April 28, today announce their partnership to support the Foundation’s work and mission through greater public awareness.
The dynamic new event gives the public a glimpse of the challenges firefighters face every day. Through this partnership, Hero Rush will promote and support the Foundation’s work, including resources to support the families and coworkers of fallen firefighters and programs designed to reduce the numbers of those killed and injured on the job.
“The work of the Foundation is so important,” said co-founder Dave J. Iannone. “They are not only there when a firefighter dies in the line of duty to help survivors deal with their immeasurable loss. They also create programs, such as Everyone Goes Home®, designed to prevent line-of-duty deaths and injuries. We are proud to support them through Hero Rush events.”
The Foundation will receive donations through Hero Rush in several ways. For every runner in each event’s “343 Wave” honoring the firefighters killed in the Twin Towers on 9/11, the Foundation will receive $20. They will receive $5 for every runner who registers with the code NFFF2012, which gives the runner a $5 discount as well. And all registrants will be able to make additional voluntary donations to the Foundation during the registration process.
“Hero Rush is allowing us to reach directly to the public who are an important part of keeping firefighters safe,” said Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF. “Everyone can help reduce the number of firefighters injured and killed each year by preventing fires in their homes and businesses. Remember to Be a Hero, Save a Hero(SM).”
Hero Rush, which has opened registration for 12 U.S. events so far, is designed for mainstream consumers by veteran firefighters, including the founders of FirefighterNation.com and Firehouse.com. Hero Rush will challenge participants to experience what firefighters face every day.
“Runners will tackle a 5K+ course studded with 15-20 obstacles that simulate real emergencies,” Iannone said. “They’ll crawl through smoke-filled mazes, scale steep roofs, drag massive fire hoses to the blaze, climb ladders and bust through windows to find victims trapped inside - and a few surprises, too.”
Events are currently scheduled for Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan, North Texas, Los Angeles, Oregon, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina, Central Florida and Central Texas.
The all-day events will feature an Inferno Midway, where both runners and spectators can practice their firefighter skills on stand-alone obstacles and challenges. This family-friendly festival area will also include two kid’s courses, demonstrations by local fire departments, food and drinks, apparel and merchandise tents, music and entertainment. In each community hosting an event, Hero Rush will also identify a local fire-related charity to receive proceeds from the Kid’s Firefighter Adventure Course.
For a calendar of Hero Rush events, details, registration, and information on how sponsors, vendors, local fire departments and charities can get involved, visit www.herorush.com.
For more information on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, including department and family resources, the Everyone Goes Home® Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Program, National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend information and other ways to contribute, visit www.firehero.org.