The First Twenty is a non profit run by firefighters for firefighters. The mission is to increase the health of today's firefighter, and to draw attention to the overall physical and psychological challenges faced by the men and the women in the 21st century U.S. fire service. TFT is dedicated to the development and implementation of clinical methodology proven to assist the modern firefighter to achieve the level of physical and mental health needed to prepare for the risks faced in the line of duty, and to ultimately reduce avoidable fatalities, particularly due to inadequate cardiovascular health.
The fire service has a storied tradition, spanning over 300 years in the United States. It is comprised of men and women, young and old, who have thrived on the principles of courage, tradition, teamwork, service and community. Today's fire service is over one million strong, and 700,000 of those firefighters are volunteers who answer the call to serve their communities. Whether firefighters are paid or volunteer, they put themselves between us and danger to protect our families, homes and communities. Learn More
The First Twenty (TFT) is a common expression in the fire service meaning that the first twenty minutes of a fire are the most crucial. It is twenty minutes that define the skill and judgment of a firefighter and often dictate the outcome. This critical and short window of time determines the difference between recovery or loss, as well as life or death for both the firefighter and the victims.
Chief Edward Crocker, FDNY (1899-1911)
The biggest obstacle to improving the health of firefighters has been the lack of a compelling awareness campaign stressing the need for a comprehensive health and wellness preparedness program for new and long-time firefighters. Learn More
There are several of predictable needs in this arena: The development of a baseline health screening for all firefighters including key indicators relevant to this population, the need to partner with various health providers, educators, education and research institutions... Learn More
There are multiple health resources available to today's firefighter, however, none are proactive. They are primarily elective. The problem TFT has defined requires that this initiative be actively championed on a county to county and state to state basis. Learn More
TFT aims to partner with targeted corporations to raise funds for its activities. In addition, this will assist TFT to build awareness in the public sector for the need to support preparedness training for the firefighters who risk their lives for their communities. Learn More
The Answer the Call Campaign is the initial fundraising drive of The First Twenty. Membership levels begin at $5 and include information on the U.S. fire service, an educational video, and a recording of the Answer the Call anthem. Increased membership levels include The First Twenty apparel and additional merchandise. Learn more about the campaign
Get the facts. Learn about why The First Twenty was started and experience the words and thoughts of some of the firefighters who are dedicated to protecting and serving our communities. "If we can save one firefighter... if just one more firefighter comes home on that truck at the end of the day... thats a win."Watch the video now!
