Honor Guards from across the US to open the new Wildland Firefighter Foundation headquarters
Boise, ID – During the many fires being fought across Idaho last fire season, people wanted to know what they could do to help. Idaho Department of Lands recommended citizens donate to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation (WFF). The foundation helps injured wildland firefighters and families of deceased firefighters. The response was significant, with more than $10,000 donated directly to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation at IDL’s request last summer.
As a charitable organization, WFF relies upon donations to provide tragedy assistance including direct cash support when firefighters’ families need it most, grief and bereavement counseling, and mental health assistance through their "One Foot in the Black" program.
Although fire season has arrived in the west but not yet made its annual appearance in Idaho, IDL anticipates citizens will want to help wildland firefighters again this year. The foundation accepts tax deductible donations via its website at https://wffoundation.org.
The WFF continues to look for ways they can serve firefighters and their families. The next major project is building Camp Hope, a place for the children of fallen and tragically injured wildland firefighters to come together to connect, heal and move forward.
On Friday, May 20 at 1 pm MT, the Wildland Firefighter Foundation will host the largest Honor Guard presentation in wildland fire history in conjunction with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the organization’s new Boise headquarters. Honor Guards from 40 federal, state, and local agencies from across the US will help open the facility which is located at 2393 W. Airport Way, near the Boise Airport.
“Families of fallen firefighters will attend the Honor Guard presentation,” said IDL Director Dustin Miller. “By showing community support for the brave men and women who gave everything fighting wildfires, we can honor the sacrifices of the fallen and recognize their families.” Members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony.
The WFF Executive Director Burk Minor expressed his appreciation for the Honor Guards coming from distances to support this organization and its mission by paying tribute to the walls of honor for the fallen in the wildfire community.
“This new facility has been in process for five years and thanks to the generosity of supporters it is now a reality,” said WFF Executive Director Burk Minor. “This new facility better allows us to fulfil our mission of providing assistance and support to the families of wildland firefighters killed in the line of duty and assistance to injured firefighters and their families.”
Minor added this facility is a home for all wildland firefighters.
“The Wildland Firefighter Foundation is doing great work on behalf of wildland firefighters and their families,” said Governor Brad Little. “Wildland firefighting is a dangerous job and when tragedy strikes the foundation is there with compassion and understanding, making a tangible difference in the lives of loved ones and injured firefighters. They are doing what the government cannot do.”
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