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Welcome to the Fallen Firefighter Survivors Foundation Blog.  In these passages you will find information regarding this foundation, upcoming events, LODD prevention and memorial pages of our fallen heroes. And on a more personal note, my documented journey down a path I did not choose.  We are just beginning and the site will be changing quite often. If you are not familiar with a Blog, entries are displayed in reverse-chronological order.  The entries have been sorted by subject making it easier to find particular information. For those of you that have been following along I appreciate your support.  For those who are visiting for the first time, I invite you to look around.  Please contact us with any thoughts, ideas or information that would be beneficial to this foundation and the brave men and women of the Fire Service.  Thank you for stopping by, feel free to come again.

Please visit our main website at www.FFSFUSA.org

You may contact us at info@FFSFUSA.org 

Tags: Fallen Firefighter,FFSF Information,Firefighter,LODD,LODDPrevention
Categories: FFSF Information
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I wanted to take a moment and share some of our current projects with everyone.

The Nat’l Fallen Firefighter Foundation has invited FFSF to charter a consortium along with several others.  It is very early in the planning stages. However, we are in hopes through this opportunity we will gain not only added validity, we will be able to assist each other in our similar purpose. 

We are currently involved in a charity campaign with Star and Shield Insurance.  See previous Blog entry.

We are also working with the very talented author, Mr. Kurt Kamm.  For a donation you will receive a signed copy of his award winning novels.  Click here for more details

Just today we were contacted by some folks in Tennessee….(it’s a secret)  details coming soon.  : )

These are just a few of the many wonderful things that are in store for us.  This arduous road has been long and at times it seems almost unachievable.  We can do this however, by God’s grace I am convinced we can!  Our purpose is quite simple… reaching out and lending a hand at time when it is needed most.  We have met so many amazing people along the way, become involved with so many amiable organizations.  We can never thank them enough, we can however “continue the path”.  As always, together we can and will make a difference.

Tags: ffsfusa.org,Kurt Kamm,National Fallen Firefighters Foundation,Star & Shield Insurance Exchange
Categories: Breaking News
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Star & Shield Insurance Exchange is a home and auto insurance COMPANY created JUST for you and owned by its policy holders. Thousands have joined.  And, yes, we are writing homeowners in Florida – just for you.

So, don’t just buy insurance, TAKE OWNERSHIP … in Star & Shield®. 

Call for a quote (866) 942-9822, visit StarandShield.com or find us on Facebook.

A WIN-WIN FOR YOU AND YOUR CHARITY!

Star & Shield® is dedicated to giving back and cannot think of a better way to do so than providing support to those organizations that represent our membership.

Call (866) 942-9822 between June 1st, 2010 and September 30th, 2010 for a no obligation auto or homeowners insurance quote and Star & Shield Insurance Exchange will donate $5 for each eligible quote† to your choice of one of these charities:

• Childrens Burn Camp of North Florida
• Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS)
• Fallen Firefighter Survivors Foundation
• Florida Police Benevolent Association Heart Fund (PBA)
• Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches (FSYR)
• Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
• Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida

Please be sure to specify your choice of one of the select group of charities listed above when calling.  Visit StarandShield.com for details.

†Callers must meet eligibility requirements. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. One donation per household.

Tags: Star & Shield Insurance Exchange
Categories: Breaking News
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Some say the souls in heaven,  can still see us here, still keep up with all the comings and goings of their family and friends. 

I wonder…

If you are able Ben, you will know how much you are missed.  You will know the impact your presence here has made on so many lives. You would see our strength and know our struggles.  Above all, you would know the love we have for you has never failed nor faded. 

On the other hand, I am convinced,  if we could see you, we would know you were welcomed with open arms by all, in that promised place. We would see the laughter and the tears of joy brought on by your arrival home.    We would know the many times you looked out for us,  your constant vigil, the origin of our protection.   We would know you were needed there. We would find comfort knowing you will help us make our way when it is our time.  My experience has taught me to no longer fear death; I now, simply await it.

As this sixth year comes and goes Ben, you must know my days are filled with thoughts of you. You must sense that whispered prayer each evening as I ask God to allow me to tell you goodnight while believing with all of my heart that you hear me.  You are my son… God in-trusted his gift to me and for that I am forever grateful.  Oh how I miss you…

Categories: My Journey
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We received a letter the other day from a gentleman by the name of Kurt Kamm.  It turns out Mr. Kamm is the author of several Award winning books and was contacting us wanting to do a fundraiser for the foundation.   How exciting! 

At first we emailed back and forth with the formalities of this new venture.  I had a chance to speak with him on the phone.  It turns out Kurt, a former businessman and current Vice/Chairman of the UCLA/Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center Foundation has written two novels.  He is an avid supporter of the Wildland Firefighter Foundation and a friend to many, many firefighters, especially those in the Los Angeles County area. 

Why do you suppose a man with Mr. Kamms background would be so interested in the fire service that he would write so passionately about the subject?  We each have our own stories to tell.  And a storyteller, Kurt is.  Join him as he takes us to the hills of Los Angeles in search of a serial arsonist. Follow along as  fire investigators find evidence that to the untrained eye is nothing more than charred ruin. 

“Red Flag Warning” was awarded First Place in the Infinite Writer 2010 Mystery Fiction Category and Honorable Mention in the 2010 Public Safety Writer’s Contest. 

For a limited time you will receive a signed copy of “Red Flag Warning” for a donation of $25 or for a donation of $40 you will receive both novels “Red Flag Warning” and “One Foot in the Black”. 

Click the here for more details 

Happy reading friends…and thank you for the support!

Tags: FFSF Information,Kurt Kamm,One Foot in the Black,Red Flag Warning
Categories: uncatagorized
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I received a correspondence a few days ago.  It reminded me of all of the good people in this world that have dedicated themselves to the health and well being of others.  I cannot begin to thank you enough Mr. Tuten. Because you offer your experience and knowledge; lives will be spared, lessons will be learned and Ben’s death will not be in vain.

Mr. Tuten writes…

Dear Ms. Lang,

You don’t know me, but I knew your son. We worked together at Arnold Palmer
Hospital on the Pediatric Critical Care Transport Team for a short time. I
have also worked at the Central Florida Fire Academy as an Instructor where
I met Brad McCard as one of my students a few years back. We were able to
talk then and share about Ben.

The reason I wanted to write you is that we have been doing our Quarterly
and Annual Engineer (Driver/Operator) training here and we have been
focusing on driver safety. Our recent training has reminded me of Ben. As a
very active Engineer at OFD, I have been involved with input for developing
classes to teach the rest of the department.  I’ve told his story many times
and have sent the NIOSH report and all of the information and pictures I
have to our training staff and to other Instructors at the surrounding
colleges so his story will continue to be told. Even though it has been
almost 6 years, His ultimate sacrifice is still affecting and teaching
others. I just wanted to let you know that so that it might still give you
comfort.

Thank you!

Nickolas Tuten
Orlando Fire Department
Engineer/Paramedic
Engine 16 A shift

Almost six years now.  I still cannot shake the feeling this is all a bad dream I want so desperately to awaken from.  I still feel your presence Benjamin.  In my minds ear, I still hear the sound of your voice, your laughter.  I miss you son.

Because of men and women like this caring and talented Engineer from the Orlando Fire Department, a mother, father, wife or husband may have another tomorrow with the ones they love.

Thank you for your diligence.  Thank you for who you are! 

Tags: Ben Lang,Benjamin Lang,Nickolas Tuten,Orlando Fire Department
Categories: My Journey
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In order to accommodate the overwhelming response of all of our sponsors and friends; we are very excited to announce, our main website www.ffsfusa.org is currently undergoing some changes and upgrades.  We would like to thank Bonnie Liss and her team at Phoenix Graphics www.pxgx.com for assisting us.  Be sure to check back in to see our new “face lift” in the next few weeks!   Thank you, everyone!

Tags: ffsfusa.org,Pheonix Graphics
Categories: Breaking News
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We have been receiving pictures and video from all of the Red Knight Chapters that participated in the FFSF 2010 Worlds Largest Poker Run.  Our website is currently undergoing some necessary updates.  We will be posting these photos very soon for all to see the extraordinary event that was held May 1, 2010.  Be sure to check back in soon.  Here are just a few from Florida, North Carolina and Texas. 

Tags: FFSF 2010 Worlds Largest Poker Run
Categories: 2010 Poker Run
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Click the Guinness World Record Logo to read more about  this unique event.

Thank you, everyone for showing your support for the Fallen Firefighter Survivors Foundation. Because of unforeseen circumstances (mainly weather) we were not able to break the record that was set last year.

The main thing is that a whole lot of people came together on Saturday May 1, 2010; across the United States to honor our fallen heroes and their families. I commend you, all of you.

Attempting to break the record was the fun part of this whole event, mending the pain of loss is another. There is nothing that can be done to change a yesterday. But if we can bring our families together, if we can offer the gift of friendship and support we will make a difference in their lives.

Coming Soon…updates, pictures and stories from this extraordinary event….

Tags: 2010 Worlds Largest Poker Run,Guinness World Records
Categories: 2010 Poker Run
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In 2009, at 22 locations across 9 states the Red Knights Motorcycle Club presented the FFSF 2009 Worlds Largest Poker Run benefiting the Fallen Firefighter Survivors Foundation.  Raising over $45,000.00 with more than 2137 riders from all across the Eastern United States we made our way into the Guinness World Record Books.
On May 1, 2010 at 32 locations across 16 states and Canada, the Red Knights are once again coming together attempting to break that record.  The FFSF 2010 Worlds Largest Poker Run is just two days away!  We want to thank the Red Knights for all of the hard work and dedication you have put forth in this endeavor.  The camaraderie and enthusiasm the Red Knights has displayed has been exemplary!  It is an experience I will never forget.  I am so grateful to them for all they have done.

We want to thank all of the sponsors, volunteers and participants of this event.  May you have good weather, a great ride and a marvelous time!!!!

Tags: FFSF 2010 Worlds Largest Poker Run,Red Knights,Worlds Largest Poker Run
Categories: 2010 Poker Run
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