Join the U.S. Fire Service in honoring the lives of 98 firefighters who died in the line of duty during 2013 and nine firefighters who died in previous years during the 33rd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 12. The service begins at 10:00 a.m. (ET) at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland and is open to the public. These fallen heroes also will be remembered in a special Candlelight Service on Saturday, October 11 at 6:30 p.m. (ET).
Bronze plaques with the names of the fallen 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. Fire service members and the public are encouraged to attend to pay their respects.
"The loss of any firefighter is difficult, but last year was especially tragic for the United States fire service because of the high number of firefighters who died in the line of duty," explained Chief Dennis Compton, Chairman of the National Fallen Firefighters Board of Directors. "The multiple deaths in West and Houston, Texas, as well as those in Prescott, Arizona, were solemn reminders of the sacrifices firefighters often make. As a nation, we must be mindful that every line-of-duty death is a tragedy for the entire fire service family and must be appropriately honored."
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