EMMITSBURG, Md. — The names of 204 firefighters who died in the line of duty will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial during the Memorial Weekend on May 2–3 in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the annual event brings together families, fire service leaders and supporters from across the country to honor the fallen, the foundation said in a press release.
“The loss of these 204 fallen firefighters is felt most deeply by the families and loved ones left behind. They were parents, partners, colleagues and friends who will forever be remembered for their bravery and their devotion to duty,” National Fallen Firefighters Foundation CEO Victor Stagnaro said. “During the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, we will add their names to the National Memorial, ensuring they are remembered by a grateful nation.”
This year’s Roll of Honor includes 204 firefighters, with 97 who died in 2025 and 107 from previous years.
“For 45 years, this weekend has allowed us to collectively pause to reflect and remember those who always answered the call to protect our communities without hesitation,” Chair of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors Troy Markel said. “As we honor their lives, this moment is also about giving their families and departments our unwavering support. We stand tall beside them with gratitude and respect. Their Fire Hero will never be forgotten.”
Two public ceremonies will be held on the National Memorial grounds and livestreamed at weekend.firehero.org and on the NFFF’s YouTube and Facebook channels: a Candlelight Service on Saturday, May 2, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ET, and a Memorial Service on Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET.
The public is invited to take part in the NFFF’s annual Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters tribute, with landmarks, firehouses, businesses and homes across all 50 states lighting up red to honor fallen firefighters and support their families.
Additional ways to participate include Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters on May 2 and 3, Sound the Sirens at noon on May 3, lowering flags to half-staff on May 3 and issuing local proclamations. The weekend also includes private events for the families and departments of the honored firefighters.
Participants are encouraged to share photos and videos from the weekend with the NFFF by email and on social media using the hashtags #FireHero2026 and #NFFF. Updates on weekend programming will be posted at weekend.firehero.org and on the foundation’s Instagram, Facebook and X accounts.
