Anita DiGregory
“I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a firefighter. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which the firefighter has to do believe that his is a noble calling. There is an adage which says that, ‘Nothing can be destroyed except by fire.’ We strive to preserve from destruction the wealth of the world which is the product of the industry of men, necessary for the comfort of both the rich and the poor. We are defenders from fires of the art which has beautified the world, the product of the genius of men and the means of refinement of mankind. But, above all; our proudest endeavor is to save lives of men—the work of God Himself. Under the impulse of such thoughts, the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even at the supreme sacrifice. Such considerations may not strike the average mind, but they are sufficient to fill to the limit our ambition in life and to make us serve the general purpose of human society.”
— Chief Edward F. Croker FDNY circa 1910
Photo Courtesy of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
The Memorial Service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg on Sunday, October 9, 2016
On October 7-9, 2016, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) held its 35th Annual Memorial Weekend to honor all firefighters who died in the line of duty. The national tribute, which included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, family activities, a vigil, and a candlelight service, culminated with the public Memorial Service on Sunday at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg.
During the memorial weekend, the U.S. Fire Service honored the lives of seventy-nine firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2015, and thirty-three firefighters who died in previous years. According to the NFFF, the number of firefighters honored this year was higher than in recent years; however, the number of line-of-duty deaths that occurred in 2015 was actually lower. As a result of the new ruling that Public Safety Officer Benefits recognize deaths caused by illnesses from 9/11 as line-of-duty, those who suffered these deaths were also honored. “The Federal Government conducted a thorough review to ensure that deaths related to 9/11 illnesses can now be recognized as line-of-duty deaths, and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is very pleased with this decision,” said Chief Dennis Compton, chairman of the NFFF Board of Directors. Due to this, the names of twenty-four FDNY members who died before 2015 and two who died in 2015 from 9/11-related illnesses were added to the memorial.
Sunday’s Memorial Service was attended by approximately 5,000 people, including family members, co-workers, friends, and the public, who gathered to honor the life, service, and ultimate sacrifice of these heroes. Other honorable guests included Chief Ernest Mitchell, U.S. Fire Administrator; the Honorable W. Craig Fugate, Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator; the Honorable Don Briggs, Mayor of Emmitsburg; and the Honorable Jan H. Gardner, County Executive, Frederick County.
The tribute included several time-honored traditions important to firefighters and their families. For the sixth year, the memorial incorporated Bells Across America. Numerous fire departments and places of worship across the nation joined the NFFF in this ceremony, ringing their bells in honor of those firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The public ceremony also included a traditional honor guard and bagpiper procession. Each family of the fallen was presented with an American flag. These 112 flags, which flew over the U.S. Capitol, were presented to the NFFF by the Congressional Fire Service Caucus, which included Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr., Chairman (D-NJ) and Congressman Steny Hoyer, Co-Chair (D-MD). The service concluded with the unveiling of the memorial plaques, listing the names of the 2015 fallen heroes and those who died in previous years.
The Annual National Firefighters Memorial Weekend is intended to help pay tribute to those lost in the line of duty, while also helping survivors in healing. Serving as the official national tribute to America’s fallen firefighters, this ceremony has become extremely important to families and their communities in acknowledging and honoring the lives of these heroes.
“Firefighters possess an extraordinary blend of courage and compassion, which allows them to willingly face tremendous risks to help those in need,” said Chief Compton. “Each fall, 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.”
