EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND – Join the U.S. Fire Service in honoring the lives of 84 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2014 and three firefighters who died in previous years during the 34th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 4.
The service begins at 10:00 a.m. (ET) at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland and is open to the public. During the service, a bronze plaque bearing the names of the fallen will be officially added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. These firefighters also will be remembered in a special Candlelight Service on Saturday, October 3 at 6:30 p.m. (ET).
Important Memorial Weekend Links:
- Carry this tribute to firefighters live on your website – honor these firefighters by attending the services – host a Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters event in your community. Go to http://live.firehero.org for the details.
- TV news & cable operators can access ceremonies live via satellite. Go to http://media.firehero.org.
Just prior to Memorial Weekend, leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus will help launch the annual tribute. They will present 87 American flags flown over the U.S. Capitol to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, September 30 at 2:00 p.m. (ET). The flags will be displayed in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel until the service on Sunday when they will be presented to the survivors.
“Firefighters possess an extraordinary blend of courage and compassion which allows them to willingly face tremendous risks to help those in need,” said Chief Dennis Compton, Chairman of the Board of the NFFF. “Each fall, we gather to reflect on the sacrifices of those who died in the line of duty and to let their families, friends and co-workers know they will never be forgotten.”
More than 5,000 people, including families, friends, members of Congress, Administration officials and firefighters are expected to attend on Sunday. Firefighter Honor Guards and Pipe & Drum units from across the U.S. will participate in this national remembrance.
NFFF provides live satellite feed and streaming of ceremonies along with video of events for downloading courtesy of
VISTA Worldlink and WUSA9.com. For a complete list of fallen firefighters being honored and a widget to display their
information on your website go to http://live.firehero.org. There you will also find Memorial Weekend streaming
information, videos, photos, and satellite coordinates
The annual tribute is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland
Security’s U.S. Fire Administration and is possible through the generous support from Motorola Solutions, Department of
Justice, State Farm Insurance Companies, Tyco, VFIS and Provident.
About National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
The NFFF’s mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen firefighters. The NFFF provides resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives and works within the fire service community to prevent firefighter deaths and injuries. For more information about the NFFF visit www.firehero.org