81 Fallen Firefighters to Be Honored at National Memorial

EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND — Seventy-three firefighters who died in the line of duty during 2012 and eight firefighters who died in previous years will be honored during the 32nd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 6, at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. They will also be remembered in a special Candlelight Service on Saturday, October 5 and 6:30 pm.

Help the nation honor these fallen heroes by carrying the two ceremonies on your website or blog and by holding a Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters event in your community.

Bronze plaques containing their names will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located on the academy campus. The national tribute is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Fire Administration.

“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 October, 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 Members of Congress, Administration officials and other dignitaries, members of the fire service, and families, friends, and co-workers of the fallen firefighters are expected to attend. Families will receive flags flown over the U. S. Capitol and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Members of the fire service, honor guard units and pipe and drum units from across the U.S. will participate in this national remembrance.

For a complete list of fallen firefighters being honored and a widget to display their information on your website, along with Memorial Weekend streaming information, videos, photos, and satellite coordinates visit http://weekend.firehero.org/live/.