"The shocking news of the tragic death of my beautiful and talented daughter shifted the axis of my world. I did not think I could or would survive. However, after attending the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend that honored her sacrifice, and feeling myself surrounded with the love and compassion that emanates from within the Foundation and the Fire Service community it serves, I saw the possibility of survival. Volunteering with the Survivors Network helped me to help others - in the struggle to cope with loss while soothing my own soul as well. In order to express my gratitude for their help while going through this terrible grief, I joined the many Returning Survivors to ensure the continuation of subsequent Memorial Weekends. I continue to do so, passionately, proudly, and in my dual capacity as Survivor and Advisory Committee Member of the Board of Directors."
Heather J. DePaolo Johnny was just 28 years old when she fell in the line of duty. While fighting a fire in the Klamath National Forest, the engine she was driving slid off an old forest logging road and tumbled down the side of a mountain. As a career firefighter with the United States Forest Service and a Syracuse University graduate, Heather planned a future in sound ecological forest management. An intelligent and extraordinary young woman, she saw that the possibilities for fulfilling her life were limitless. She chose to follow her dream and live her life in a way that would leave the world a better place for her having been here.