The Associated Press via The Public Opinion Online
EMMITSBURG, Md. — The names of 89 fallen firefighters are being added to a national memorial in Emmitsburg, Md.
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday honored 72 who died in the line of duty last year plus 17 from previous years.
Eight members of the Chambersburg Fire Department’s Honor Guard traveled to Emmitsburg over the weekend for the events that included the Red Helmet Ride, a parade of bikers riding in tribute of the firefighters, as well as a wreath-laying service at the national monument, a family dinner and a candlelight service.
“The department’s newly-formed honor guard was showcased and utilized in multiple functions during the memorial weekend,” said Chambersburg Fire Department Chief William FitzGerald.
The department’s ladder truck was part of an arch with another ladder truck from Progress Fire Company just outside of Harrisburg to hold a 40" by 80" American flag over the crowd for the memorial service.
“Those persons who were honored this past weekend will continue to shine in the hearts and minds of all of us forever,” said FitzGerald.
The foundation says 27 states lost firefighters in the line of duty in 2010, led by Illinois with eight. New York and Pennsylvania each lost seven.
Foundation Chairman Dennis Compton says the ceremony lets the families, co-workers and friends of fallen firefighters know that their loved ones will never be forgotten.
The foundation was created by Congress in 1992 to honor firefighters who died in the line of duty and provide grief counseling to their families.
The memorial was on the campus of the National Fire Academy.
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