EMMITSBURG, Md. — The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will host the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on May 3–4, 2025, in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The ceremony will honor 140 firefighters who died in the line of duty, including 70 who lost their lives in 2024 and 70 from previous years.
“This weekend is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage and commitment of those who put their lives on the line to protect others,” Chair of the NFFF Board of Directors Troy Markel said. “We come together not only to remember the fallen, but to stand in solidarity with their families and departments, letting them know their loved ones will never be forgotten.”
Two public ceremonies will be held at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center. The Candlelight Service will take place on Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. ET, with streaming beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Memorial Service will follow on Sunday, May 4, at 10:00 a.m. ET, with streaming beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Both events will be live-streamed at weekend.firehero.org and on the NFFF YouTube channel, allowing viewers across the country to participate in the tribute. Sunday’s Memorial Service, which draws thousands of attendees each year, will feature remarks from prominent fire service and government leaders offering powerful reflections on the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes.
“Each of these 140 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others, a profound sacrifice that defines true heroism,” NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro said. “Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to come together to honor their bravery, to stand beside their families and ensure their legacy lives on in every community they so selflessly served.”
