The NFFF will honor fallen firefighters and mark the approaching 25th anniversary of 9/11 with special events at FDIC

EMMITSBURG, Md. — The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will take part in FDIC International in Indianapolis from April 20-25, with this year’s conference carrying added meaning ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The NFFF said in a press release that in recognition of that milestone, the foundation will host events honoring the firefighters who responded on Sept. 11, 2001, including those who lost their lives, while paying tribute to their service and sacrifice.

“The courage, dedication, and leadership of our nation’s firefighters inspire us every day. As we gather at FDIC International, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is proud to honor those whose experience and training prepared them to lead on one of our nation’s most unimaginable days,” CEO Victor Stagnaro said. “The training at FDIC helps ensure today’s fire service is prepared with that same level of leadership when it is needed most. From the Night of Honor to the Whelen Challenge and the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, this week reflects our mission in action, honoring our fallen heroes, supporting their families, and working to prevent future tragedies.”

NFFF’s A Night of Honor: When the World Stopped, They Stood will be held April 23 at 6 p.m. as part of FDIC International, with tickets starting at $50. The event will honor the courage and legacy of the nation’s fallen firefighters and include an awards ceremony recognizing three leaders whose response to the Sept. 11 attacks reflected courage, resilience and a lasting commitment to the fire service.

Fire chiefs Terry Shaffer, Edward P. Plaugher and Peter J. Ganci Jr. will be honored for their extraordinary leadership during the Sept. 11 attacks, NFFF said.

Shaffer led his department at the Flight 93 crash site near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Plaugher coordinated response operations at the Pentagon. Ganci led rescue efforts into the North Tower and was killed in the line of duty.

The NFFF will also host the FDIC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Friday, April 24, at 1 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium. The event honors the 343 FDNY firefighters who died on 9/11, with participants climbing or walking the equivalent of 110 stories, the height of each Twin Tower.

The first 343 people to register online will receive a 25th anniversary 9/11 challenge coin. Participants who raise more than $110 will be eligible for commemorative gifts.

Registration costs $40 and closes online at midnight on April 23. FDIC International attendees can also register April 22-23 at the Indianapolis Convention Center.

Whelen Engineering will unveil its 2026 No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Camaro on April 23 at FDIC International, featuring a tribute to firefighters being added to the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial this year. The company also said it will match donations to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, up to $50,000, through its Whelen Challenge fundraiser.