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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Personnel and Fire Station Support

    Line of Duty Death Support

    Assisting family members, fire departments, and municipalities to honor those we've lost in the line of duty.

    Fallen Firefighters Foundation
    A flag is raised by fire apparatuses in front of the state Capitol.

    Overview

    We don't have the authority to determine if a tragic event is a line of duty death. However, we are happy to assist with requested aid during this difficult time.

    Providing Honors

    We assist the family of the person lost in the line of duty with providing proper honors.

    We work with the family, fire department, and municipality to make sure the family's requests are addresses for the services.

     

    Benefit Resources

    After the ceremony, we are trained to help with filing procedures and benefit claims on the state and federal levels.

    Burial Expenses and Workers Compensation

    Pennsylvania provides help with burial expenses and the continuance of a portion of wages to a surviving spouse or children.

    One-Time Payment

    Pennsylvania provides a one-time payment to the surviving spouse, minor children, or parents of the person lost in the line of duty. This benefit was set at $50,000 in 1994, and is adjusted annually for inflation.

    Federal Death and Disability Benefits

    The federal government also provides payments for line of duty deaths and for public safety officers who have been permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty.

    State-Based Education Assistance

    Surviving children may be entitled to fully paid tuition benefits. Tuition benefits can be used to attend community colleges, state-owned universities, and state-related colleges an universities. To be eligibile, surviving children must be 25 years old or younger, Pennsylvania residents, and working toward an undergraduate degree.

    Federal-Based Education Assistance

    Higher education help for spouses and children of those killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.

    Taking Care of Our Own

    The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has a training program to help fire departments prepare for the worst — a death or serious injury in the line of duty.  It covers pre-incident planning, survivor notification, family and co-worker support, and benefits and resources available to the families.

    Taking Care of Our Own