PRESS RELEASE
WHAT:
The names of 204 firefighters who died in the line of duty will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial during the 45th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, May 2–3, 2026, as families, fire service leaders and communities across the country gather to honor their lives and sacrifices.
Newly honored firefighters are permanently added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland, each year. Hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), the annual Memorial Weekend brings hundreds of Fire Hero families, fire service leaders, government officials and supporters together for ceremonies of remembrance, reflection and national tribute.
This year’s honorees, known as theRoll of Honor, include 97 lost in 2025 and 107 from previous years.
Additionally, the public is invited to participate in the NFFF’s annual Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters tribute through May 3. During Light the Night, prominent landmarks, businesses, firehouses, and residences in all 50 states will illuminate red in remembrance of fallen firefighters and in support of their families.
WHEN:
- Candlelight Service: Saturday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (ET)
- Memorial Service: Sunday, May 3, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (ET)
WHERE:
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
16825 S. Seton Ave.
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
WHO:
Interviews will be available with NFFF organizers on site.
LIVE STREAM & SATELLITE COORDINATES:
Both public ceremonies on the National Memorial grounds will be live-streamed at weekend.firehero.org and on the NFFF’s YouTube and Facebook channels.
Live satellite coordinates are available here.
ASSETS:
- Bios: 2026 Roll of Honor
- B-roll: National Memorial Weekend
- Images: National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
- Images: U.S. landmarks glowing red
- Press release: National Memorial Weekend
- PSA: Light the Night
About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) was established by the United States Congress in 1992 to lead a national effort in honoring America’s fallen firefighters. Since then, the Foundation has created powerful programs that pay lasting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while providing meaningful support to their families and colleagues. Through its close partnership with the fire service and its affiliate, the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE), the NFFF is also deeply committed to reducing firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries. To learn how you can support this important mission, visit firehero.org.
