Sixty families came to Rochester from all over the country to attend the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) 2022 Fire Hero Family Wellness Conference. The conference was held at the Double Tree by Hilton in Henrietta from May 17 through 20, and included seminars, workshops, and community visits to area highlights.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is based in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The foundation’s mission is “to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes, to provide resources to assist their families in rebuilding their lives, and work within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries.” This annual conference is key to achieving that mission.
Conference attendees were greeted by local firefighters, dignitaries, and other survivors as they ventured through the week. Attendees could choose from morning sessions on topics like “Building Resilience Through Nature,” “Strong at the Broken Places,” “A Deafening Silence,” and “Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family In Stressful Times.” A Men’s Service Project was hosted at the Fire Museum in Brockport where some landscaping was completed and fellowship with local firefighters provided. Offsite tours in the afternoon were provided to Mt. Hope Cemetery, Highland Park, Strong Museum of Play, the George Eastman House, and others. Dinner was provided on Wednesday evening at the Spencerport Fire District where the attendees got to experience local dining delicacies such as a “plate” or a beef-on-weck with salt potatoes.
The Rochester Area NFFF team worked with the Foundation for many months planning the conference. While the foundation sought speakers and presenters, the local committee of community volunteers worked with local businesses and venues to enhance the experience for the attendees and showcase all that Rochester and Monroe County has to offer visiting families.
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