NFSA Expands Partnership with NFFF, Supporting #ForThe343

NFSA invites the communities nationwide to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 11th

Linthicum Heights, MD, Sept. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) is proud to continue its longstanding partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) through support of the #ForThe343, a nationwide movement inviting Americans to honor the 343 firefighters who gave their lives on September 11, 2001, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the years that followed.  

Since 2003, NFSA has collaborated with NFFF on programs and events that preserve the legacy of fallen firefighters while supporting the safety and well-being of those who continue to serve. The partnership has extended multiple programs, including the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, the Walk of Honor®, firefighter health and wellness initiatives, and fire service outreach efforts. 

As the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of September 11, NFSA is supporting NFFF's remembrance efforts as a #ForThe343 Tribute Partner, helping amplify the movement’s message and encouraging participation from firefighters, industry partners, and communities across the country. 

#ForThe343 is an extension of one of NFFF's signature programs, the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs. Held across the country, the climbs honor the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice by symbolically climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of New York City’s World Trade Center. Through #ForThe343, individuals are encouraged to climb the equivalent of one flight of stairs, anywhere and anytime, as a shared act of remembrance. Whether through an official 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, at a firehouse, at work, in a gym or in a neighborhood, anyone can take part in honoring the fallen and preserving their legacy. 

“For more than two decades, NFSA has been a proud partner of the NFFF, united in our commitment to honor and support the fire service community,” said Vickie Pritchett, Vice President, Advocacy and Outreach at the National Fire Sprinkler Association. “September 11 is a day that resonates far beyond our industry. Through the #ForThe343 movement, we help ensure the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice lives on, reminding future generations of the courage and selflessness displayed that day. NFSA remains committed to carrying that legacy forward and standing with the NFFF in honoring the fallen.” 

For NFSA, the anniversary of 9/11 is a powerful reminder that we are stronger together. Through the #ForThe343 movement, people across the nation can unite to honor the sacrifice, preserve the legacy, and in unison with NFFF, ensure the heroes we lost are never forgotten. 

“At the NFFF, we understand that meaningful change and lasting remembrance is only possible with the support of our partners, and we are proud to have NFSA stand with us,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we encourage people everywhere to join the #ForThe343 movement and honor the firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice that day and in the days that followed. We are grateful for NFSA's support in amplifying this message of remembrance and helping ensure those brave men and women are never forgotten.” 

For those unable to climb, NFFF encourages participants to remember by walking, running, biking, or capturing and sharing a tribute on #ForThe343.org. Supporters can also contribute directly to NFFF, helping fund programs that honor fallen firefighters, support Fire Hero Families, and strengthen the fire service community. 

To participate in #ForThe343, find an official Memorial Stair Climb, or learn more, visit ForThe343.org. 

About the National Fire Sprinkler Association:  

NFSA was founded in 1905 and wants to create a more fire safe world and works to heighten the awareness of the importance of fire sprinkler systems from homes to high-rise and all occupancies in between. The Association is an inclusive organization made up of dedicated and committed members of a progressive life-saving industry. This industry manufactures, designs, supplies, installs, inspects, and services the world’s most effective system in saving lives and property from uncontrolled structural fires.   

For more information about fire sprinklers, how they work and access to additional resources and information, visit www.nfsa.org for the latest material, statistics, and a dedicated team of fire safety advocates ready to serve all stakeholders to fulfill the vision of a safer world.  

About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) was established by the United States Congress in 1992 to lead a national effort in honoring America's fallen firefighters. The Foundation creates programs that pay lasting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while providing meaningful support to their families and colleagues. Through its close partnership with the fire service and its affiliate, the First Responder Center for Excellence, the NFFF is also deeply committed to reducing firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries. Learn more at firehero.org. 

Vickie Pritchett
National Fire Sprinkler Association
615-533-0305
pritchett@nfsa.org