Everyone Goes Home - Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Program

By Susan Nicol

"It exceeded all expectations."

This is what Everyone Goes Home^® Program Director Rich Marinucci had to say about the Safety Summit held this past weekend in Emmitsburg.

"We've been hearing many positive things. Many people who are not advocates say they are interested in getting involved. That's great."

The two-day program was opened to all members of the fire service after the advocates' slots were filled.

Marinucci said the program is still looking for advocates in several states. People can find out more about the opportunities on the Everyone Goes Home® website.

Prospective advocates go through a background check, and are interviewed by regional personnel.

"We were very happy to hear some of the comments. We got some tremendous feedback. They're fired up, and ready to go!"

Marinucci said he would love to get the Courage to Be Safe(SM) program in the curriculum in all state fire training academies. "That would be a great start..."

He also understands that it's imperative that officers and seasoned firefighters realize that things need to change - that it's not business as usual.

Firefighters should not believe that injuries and death are part of the job. They are not.

Getting that message out loud and clear is challenging. But, he said the advocates are committed to making a difference.

"We have good information available to everyone on the Everyone Goes Home® website. We're hoping to get funding again next year to keep it going..."

Regardless, he said there are dedicated people across the country passionate about saving the lives of fellow firefighters.