Assign a 2-person team to notify the firefighter’s family, in person, before releasing any information
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Notify all on- and off-duty personnel, including chaplain.
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Notify elected officials and other key people in the community of the death.
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Notify all other fire chiefs in the jurisdiction.
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Notify the Minnesota State Duty Officer
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Notify MFFMA
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Notify the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program office
Family Support
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Designate a family support liaison (team) and offer to stay with the family around the clock.
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Designate a hospital liaison, if appropriate.
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Meet with the family to explain support the fire department can provide and any immediate support they can offer. Be prepared to explain why an autopsy may be required.
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Collect the deceased firefighter’s department belongings to give to the family later. Inventory and document in the presence of a witness. If some belongings will be held during investigation, explain this to the family.
Department Support
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Contact the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Chief-to-Chief Network as needed for assistance.
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Arrange critical incident debriefing for the department
Dealing with the Incident
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Determine the type of firefighter fatality investigation to conduct in addition to the NIOSH investigation (i.e., internal or external board of inquiry; arson-, accident- or homicide-related).
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Contact the departmental or jurisdictional attorney regarding possible legal issues.
Dealing with the Community and the Media
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Prepare a summary of facts about the firefighter and the incident to use for public release of information.
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Prepare a written statement for the chief or spokesperson to release to the media
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Hold a briefing with the media.
DAY TWO THROUGH THE FUNERAL
Funeral/Memorial Service
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Assist the family in planning the funeral as they choose.
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Continue to inform department members of the details regarding the incident and the funeral/memorial service plans.
_____
Coordinate plans for fire department participation in funeral.
Family Support
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Request that local law enforcement officials make routine checks of the family’s residence during the funeral and for several weeks afterwards
_____
Assist the family with tasks related to home maintenance, transportation of out-of-town family and friends, childcare, etc.
Department Support
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Monitor department members closest to the incident to see how they are dealing with the loss.
AFTER THE FUNERAL
Family Support
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Continue to invite the family to department events and activities.
_____
Provide assistance with routine tasks (home maintenance, running errands, etc.)
_____
Assign someone to assist the family in accessing all benefits for which they are eligible.
_____
Offer to “be there” at special times/events (children’s activities, holidays, etc.)
Department Support
_____
Assist department members in accessing additional support, as needed.
Memorials and Tributes
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Inform and include families in local, state, and national tributes to the firefighter.
_____
Make the family aware of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and its support programs for fire service survivors.