Supporting the Incident Commander after a Line-of-Duty Death
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) created the IC to IC Network to provide assistance to incident commanders who have experienced a line-of-duty death of a firefighter under their command. This is a peer network connecting incident commanders who recently experienced a line-of-duty death with a trained peer who previously lost a firefighter under their command.
Insights from Incident Commanders – Catalysts for Developing the IC to IC Network
» Report: Supporting the Incident Commander After a Line-Of-Duty Death «
How It Works
- Track 1: Immediately after learning about a line-of-duty death, the NFFF begins gathering information about the deceased, the incident, and the fire department as part of its congressionally mandated mission. Obtaining contact information for the incident commander has been added to the intake reporting system. The NFFF LAST member contacting the department will provide information about the IC to IC Network and ask the department liaison to:
- Pass along information regarding the IC to IC Network program.
- Ask the liaison if a trained peer can contact the affected IC directly.
IC to IC Support
Peer incident commanders share information with the incident commander who experienced the line-of-duty death on issues including:
- Incident follow up and investigations.
- Providing support for the fallen firefighter’s family and co-workers.
- Funeral and memorial service arrangements
- Handling requests for information from media and community.
- Coping with the short and long-term emotional impacts of the experience.
Immediate Support
The NFFF has resources to assist fire departments immediately in the aftermath of a line-of-duty death. The Local Assistance State Team (LAST) program can be contacted to assist with all aspects of supporting the department and the firefighter’s family, including filing for federal PSOB benefits. This support now includes information on the IC to IC Network.
