Food on the Stove to Host International Firefighters’ Weekend in Washington, DC
On May 4, 1999, International Firefighters’ Day was started in Victoria, Australia, to recognize firefighters worldwide for their hard work and dedication to the communities they serve. Now, 24 years later, Food on the Stove is expanding International Firefighters’ Day into International Firefighters’ Weekend, hosting a series of events that will take place May 4-7 in Washington, DC.
These curated events will allow the public to celebrate, engage, and get an inside perspective on the challenges that members of the fire service face. To kick off the weekend, on Thursday, May 4, Food on the Stove is hosting a health and training seminar that includes presentations from leaders in a variety of industries related to the fire service. Topics will range from leadership to mental health awareness.
“The goal is to make this a yearly fire service conference where members of the fire service from all over the world meet in the nation’s capital for learning and leisure,” said Jonathan Tate, DC firefighter and founder of Food on the Stove. “I noticed that when I attend conferences around the country, there is a lack of attendance from younger firefighters. Through creative marketing and branding, it’s my belief that we can be the bridge that connects the younger generation of firefighters to those who are most knowledgeable about this profession.”
The complete schedule of events for International Firefighters’ Weekend includes:
Thursday, May 4: Firefighter Health and Training Seminar, where those in attendance can hear from leaders in the industry and gain resources that will assist them in their lives and careers. (Register) The seminar will be followed by a free-admission happy hour from 5-9 p.m. at Hi-Lawn at Union Market. (Get an inside look with our Equipped Talk previewing the presentation “Could You Rescue You?” with Chief Bashoor.)
Friday, May 5: Inaugural “1 Run After Midnight” 5K to bring awareness to sleep deprivation. In the fire service, a dispatched call is referred to as a “run." Whether a firefighter gets a good night’s sleep or not is determined by how many "runs" a firefighter takes after 12 a.m. To stand in solidarity with these heroes around the country, Food on the Stove will host a group run for charity. (Register)
Saturday, May 6: Inaugural Dress Blue Event. This evening cocktail fundraiser at Capital Turnaround will feature moderated discussions, including impactful stories from the men and women of the fire service. (Register)
Sunday, May 7: Firefighter’s Brunch at Farmers & Distillers in Washington, D,C. The restaurant has agreed to donate $10 to Food on the Stove for every fulfilled reservation that day. (Make a reservation)
Food on the Stove is a firefighter-founded 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides firefighters with tools and resources to help them live healthier lifestyles through enhanced nutrition and exercise. While firefighters are committed to the meaningful work of protecting life, property, and the environment in the districts they serve, Food on the Stove is dedicated to giving back to these expert rescuers by addressing the leading cause of death among firefighters: heart disease. Forty-four percent of firefighters who die in the line of duty die from heart attacks, and the life expectancy of a firefighter is 10-15 years less than every other employee in America.
Food on the Stove proposes that by educating DC-area firefighters about healthier food options and exercise, fewer firefighters will die from heart disease, and their families’ health will also improve.