WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Gary Peters (D-MI), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, today introduced the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act. This bipartisan legislation would authorize a commemorative coin program to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty with proceeds supporting the work of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). If enacted, the commemorative coins would be issued by the U.S. Mint beginning in 2029.
“The bravery and selflessness of firefighters who risk their lives responding to emergencies in communities across our nation cannot be overstated,” said Senator Collins. “When firefighters make the ultimate sacrifice, the loss is felt by families, fellow firefighters, and entire communities. This commemorative coin program would honor those who gave their lives in service of others while supporting the important work of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the families they serve.”
“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. When they make the ultimate sacrifice, their families, fellow first responders, and entire communities feel that loss deeply,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This bipartisan National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act is a meaningful way to honor those heroes who gave everything in service to others.”
“From our wildland firefighters fending off blazes that threaten entire regions to the volunteer departments that often serve as the only line of defense for small communities, Alaskans owe so much to our firefighters, especially those who have laid down their lives in the line of duty,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am honored to help commemorate their service and sacrifice while supporting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s mission.”
“Every day, firefighters in Michigan and across the nation selflessly put their lives on the line to protect our communities,” said Senator Peters. “When a firefighter makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, this loss is felt deeply by family, friends, and the communities they served. I am proud to help lead this bipartisan bill to commemorate these brave men and women, while supporting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s mission to preserve the legacy of these Americans for generations to come.”
“We are extremely grateful to Senators Collins, Klobuchar, Murkowski, and Peters for introducing the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act. Their unwavering commitment over the years to our nation’s fire service, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and our Fire Hero Families has been impactful. The commemorative coin will help ensure the NFFF continues to have the resources needed to honor the fallen, serve their families and colleagues, and maintain our efforts to prevent line-of-duty deaths,” said Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the NFFF.
“The proposed commemorative coin program would provide critical funding to sustain and expand services for the families of fallen firefighters, including counseling resources, scholarships, survivor networks, and line-of-duty death support. Importantly, proceeds would also benefit the families of Maine’s fallen firefighters, ensuring that those who have given their lives in service to our communities are never forgotten. As a United States Senator representing the great State of Maine, Senator Collins’ leadership on this issue means a great deal to the firefighting community and to the families who continue to rely on the Foundation’s programs during their most difficult times. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued service to the people of Maine, and for sponsoring this important legislation,” said Michael Robitaille, Fire Chief of Yarmouth, Maine.
“As a Maine resident and an advocate for the NFFF, I have seen firsthand how deeply these families and communities are affected when a firefighter makes the ultimate sacrifice. The NFFF plays a critical role in providing support, remembrance, and resources to the families of the fallen, ensuring their loved ones are honored with the dignity they deserve. Your long-standing support for first responders is deeply appreciated, as is your championing of this meaningful legislation. Thank you, Senator Collins, for your continued leadership on behalf of Maine and our nation’s firefighters,” said NFFF Advocate Lisa Burton of Castine, Maine.
Specifically, the legislation directs the U.S. Mint to produce limited-edition commemorative coins—including $5 gold, $1 silver, and half-dollar clad coins—to recognize the service and sacrifice of America’s fallen firefighters. A portion of the proceeds from the coin sales would benefit the NFFF, supporting programs for the surviving family members of firefighters who died in the line of duty as well as the foundation’s annual memorial service for fallen firefighters.
Congress established the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in 1992 to honor America’s fallen firefighters and provide assistance to their families. As the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks this year, the legislation also honors the extraordinary sacrifice of the 343 members of the Fire Department of the City of New York who died responding to the attacks, as well as the many firefighters and emergency responders who have become ill due to their service in the rescue and recovery efforts.
Over the years, the NFFF has recognized the sacrifices of 41 firefighters from Maine. This year, its annual memorial service will honor Chief Bobby Dorr of Ellsworth, who died of cancer that was related to his fire service.
Click here for the complete text of the bill.
###