“Firefighter FITNESS: Fit to Serve, Fit for Life” Announced as Theme for Safety Stand Down 2026

February 10, 2026

Fitness is a critical component of keeping responders healthy, safe, and ready to serve their communities. To help fire and emergency personnel of all ages and capabilities meet these physical requirements, the theme for Safety Stand Down 2026, June 14-20, is “Firefighter FITNESS: Fit to Serve, Fit for Life.” This theme focuses on the foundations of physical fitness, how they can continue to be met throughout the years, and sustainable strategies for long-term success.

The week will be broken into seven daily focus topics that take responders through the components that support these overall goals, as follows:

  • Foundations (Sunday)
  • Intentional (Monday)
  • Technique (Tuesday)
  • Nutrition (Wednesday)
  • Evaluation (Thursday)
  • Sleep (Friday)
  • Strategies for success (Saturday)

Safety Stand Down is a joint initiative of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety, Health, and Survival Section, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA), and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Held each year during the third week of June, the campaign works to reduce the number of preventable injuries and deaths in the fire and emergency services. In support of Safety Stand Down, responder agencies are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during the campaign week to focus on training and education related to this year’s theme.

The campaign web site at www.safetystanddown.org includes resources to help departments plan for and implement Safety Stand Down. Additional tools and specific action plans for the week will be released in the weeks prior to the event.

In addition, NFPA will once again host the Fire Service Safety Stand Down Quiz to raise awareness and foster a greater understanding of this year’s theme. Everyone who completes the online quiz will be automatically entered into a sweepstakes; 200 randomly selected participants will win a limited-edition commemorative Safety Stand Down challenge coin.

Stay tuned to www.safetystanddown.org for more information and resources in the months leading up to the campaign. New information will be added periodically.

About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world’s leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous material response, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders. Learn more at www.iafc.org.

About the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.

About the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)
Founded in 1896, NFPA is a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. The 125-year-old Association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.

About the Fire Department Safety Officer Association (FDSOA)
The Fire Department Safety Officers Association was established in 1989 as a non-profit Association. Its mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue, and emergency services community. The FDSOA plays a crucial role in addressing health and safety challenges facing firefighters globally, with a focus on Safety Officers. In fact, so critical is the role of the Safety Officer in every department in the country and internationally that we train and offer Pro Board Certifications for the Incident Safety Officer and Health Safety Officer to ensure the knowledge needed and skillsets to be successful. FDSOA works to help you achieve proficiency, promote the recognition of your skills and secure your future. The FDSOA is here to provide individual fire departments resources, training, and guidance on everyday safety initiatives along with a focus on crucial health and wellness topics including occupational cancer, cardiac health, and the mental well-being of first responders, as well as resources for the Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) and Fleet Managers.

About the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is the driving force behind every advance in the fire and emergency services in the 21st century. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., and Ottawa, Ontario, the IAFF represents more than 344,000 professional fire fighters, emergency medical workers, and rescue workers. Our members protect more than 85 percent of the population throughout the United States and Canada.