diff --git a/usr.bin/tftp/main.c b/usr.bin/tftp/main.c
index b76fbe3192a7..b7972add4008 100644
--- a/usr.bin/tftp/main.c
+++ b/usr.bin/tftp/main.c
@@ -178,8 +178,8 @@ int
 main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
 	HistEvent he;
-	EditLine *el;
-	History *hist;
+	static EditLine *el;
+	static History *hist;
 	bool interactive;
 
 	acting_as_client = 1;