National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 16th Annual Golf Tournament Held in Monroe County
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By Christopher Martin, Public Information Officer
NFFF Rochester Area Events Team
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Greater Monroe County Events Committee hosted its 16th Annual Tournament on June 5-6, 2023, at the Deerfield Golf and Country Club in the town of Clarkson. Over 500 golfers played this year, which marks the final tournament hosted by the Greater Monroe County Events Committee. Over 30 Fire Hero Families attended each day of the tournament. Victor Stagnaro, recently appointed executive director for the NFFF, greeted the golfers and the families during the opening ceremony.
The NFFF was created as a result of Congressional legislation in 1992 to lead the nationwide effort to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since that time, the foundation has grown and developed expanded programs to fulfill their mission of honoring the fallen. They provide resources to assist the fallen firefighter’s family (Fire Hero Family) in rebuilding their lives and they strive to assist the fire service in reducing firefighter injuries and deaths nationwide.
When a firefighter dies in the line of duty (LODD), the foundation provides the family with a place to turn to. They offer emotional assistance through the Fire Hero Family network and on the NFFF website. They provide much needed information for benefits, programs, and resources available to the families as they forge through the sudden loss of a loved one.
The Fire Hero Families joined the over 80 volunteers to make this event the success that it was. The families stationed themselves at various holes on the course sporting tags that read “Ask me about my firefighter.” When you asked, they told you all about them. After spending the day at the tournament, Stagnaro stated, “You don’t just host a golf tournament, you hold a wellness event for these families, and people just happen to play golf while they are here.”
The local events committee is pleased to have raised in excess of $500,000 during its tenure hosting the previous 15 tournaments. The proceeds for this tournament are projected to near another $100,000 over the two-day event – the largest held to date. The team is proud to partner with the NFFF in supporting their mission. Learn more about the NFFF here.
Pictured: The Rochester Fire Department Honor Guard escorted the Fire Hero Families to the opening ceremony honoring one of their own. Photo by Christopher Martin.
