Latest news with #44thNationalFallenFirefightersMemorialWeekend
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why are flags at half-staff today? Texas, US flags lowered to honor fallen firefighters
Flags across the United States and Texas are at half-staff Sunday in honor of National Firefighters Memorial Day, which commemorates 70 firefighters who died in the line of duty last year. The 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will also pay tribute to 70 additional firefighters who died in previous years. 'Each of these 140 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others – a profound sacrifice that defines true heroism,' Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation said in a release. '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.' Former President George W. Bush signed the law that required the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff on all federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters each year. "When you lower your flag this year, you will recognize the brave men and women who died protecting their communities from natural and manmade emergencies and disasters and those who carry on the proud tradition," the NFFF said. Flags will return to full-staff at sunset. Six Texas firefighters are being honored during this year's National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend: Lieutenant Charles "Buddy" Freeman II, of the Montgomery County Fire Department Emergency Services District, died on Sept. 29, 2023. He had responded to a possible carbon monoxide leak on July 9. The following morning, he suffered a heart attack and later died from complications following multiple heart surgeries, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. He did not return to duty after the hazardous materials incident. Firefighter and Paramedic G. Wade Cannon, of the Flower Mound Fire Department, died in 2022 from colon cancer. Firefighter Marcelo "Ox" Garcia III, of the Houston Fire Department, died on Nov. 6, 2023, after a wall collapsed on him while he was battling a fire at a vacant warehouse. Assistant Chief Scott Glass, of Perryton Fire and EMS, died on Oct. 20 from a head injury caused when he was struck by a 5-inch hose that whipped unexpectedly while being charged with water during a structure fire. Safety Officer Daniel R. "Dan" Potts Sr., of City of Whitney Fire and Rescue, died in 2023 from a heart attack while responding to an early-morning structure fire. He passed away before reaching the scene. Chief Zebulin Earl "Zeb" Smith, of the Fritch Volunteer Fire Department, died in March 2024 from a heart attack while battling a structure fire. He had been fighting wildfires for nine consecutive days during a weeks-long wildfire outbreak that scorched much of the same area. It was the largest wildfire in state history. There are specific holidays and events when flags are flown at half-staff in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. That includes: Memorial Day, when the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon, then raised to the top of the staff. Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. Patriot Day. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. National Firefighters Memorial Day. President Dwight Eisenhower also issued a proclamation on the proper times for flying the flag at half-staff when government officials die. That includes: 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president. 10 days at half-staff after the death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, or the speaker of the House of Representatives. From the date of death until interment for an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a member of the Cabinet, a former vice president, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the majority leader of the Senate, the minority leader of the Senate, the majority leader of the House of Representatives, or the minority leader of the House of Representatives. The date of death and the following day of a United States senator, representative, territorial delegate, or the resident commissioner from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It should also be flown at half-staff on all federal facilities in the state, congressional district, territory, or commonwealth of these officials. From the date of death until interment for the governor of a state, territory or possession. The president or governor may also order that the flag be flown at half-staff to commemorate the death of other officials, former officials or foreign dignitaries, such as the death of Pope Francis. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Why are flags at half-staff today? Texas honors fallen firefighters
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
6 fallen firefighters from Texas will be honored this weekend. Here's who they are
This weekend, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will honor 70 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2024. The 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will also honor 70 more firefighters who died in previous years. In total, six were from Texas. 'Each of these 140 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others – a profound sacrifice that defines true heroism,' Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF said in a release. '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.' Six Texas firefighters are being honored during this year's National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend: Lieutenant Charles "Buddy" Freeman II, of the Montgomery County Fire Department Emergency Services District, died on Sept. 29, 2023. He had responded to a possible carbon monoxide leak on July 9. The following morning, he suffered a heart attack and later died from complications following multiple heart surgeries, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. He did not return to duty after the hazardous materials incident. Firefighter and Paramedic G. Wade Cannon, of the Flower Mound Fire Department, died in 2022 from colon cancer. Firefighter Marcelo "Ox" Garcia III, of the Houston Fire Department, died on Nov. 6, 2023, after a wall collapsed on him while he was battling a fire at a vacant warehouse. Assistant Chief Scott Glass, of Perryton Fire and EMS, died on Oct. 20 from a head injury caused when he was struck by a 5-inch hose that whipped unexpectedly while being charged with water during a structure fire. Safety Officer Daniel R. "Dan" Potts Sr., of City of Whitney Fire and Rescue, died in 2023 from a heart attack while responding to an early-morning structure fire. He passed away before reaching the scene. Chief Zebulin Earl "Zeb" Smith, of the Fritch Volunteer Fire Department, died in March 2024 from a heart attack while battling a structure fire. He had been fighting wildfires for nine consecutive days during a weeks-long wildfire outbreak that scorched much of the same area. It was the largest wildfire in state history. There will be two events open to the public at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland: a candlelight service on Saturday, May 3, and a memorial service on Sunday, May 4, when flags will also be at half-staff to honor those individuals. Both events will be streamed live. The candlelight service will be held from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, May 3, 2025. A memorial service will be held from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. CT on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The NFFF will live stream both events on their website ( YouTube channel, and Facebook page. Even if you can't make it, there are ways to pay tribute to this year's honored firefighters. Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters (April 27 - May 4): Light your homes, businesses, landmarks or fire departments with red lights. Bells Across America (May 3-4): Sign up to ring bells across the country. Sound the Sirens (May 4): At noon, many fire stations will sound their sirens in honor of fallen firefighters. Sign the Remembrance Banner: You can pay tribute to a specific firefighter or share a story. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: These 6 fallen Texas firefighters will be honored this weekend
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Flags to fly at half-staff Sunday in Virginia in honor of fallen firefighters
RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) – You'll notice flags flying at half-staff Sunday across Virginia. Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an order on Friday that U.S. and Commonwealth of Virginia flags be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in honor of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Day. 'We remember all the firefighters who were killed in the line of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice protecting their communities,' Gov. Youngkin said. Flags will be lowered at sunrise on Sunday, May 4, 2025 and remain at half-staff until sunset. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is asking residents and businesses across the country to 'light the night' in red this week to honor the firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2024 and in previous years. The Virginia Beach Fire Department asks if you participate, to please share photos on their Facebook page. Several Virginia Beach facilities and landmarks that committed to participating include the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the Virginia Beach Convention Center Tower, the Virginia Beach Municipal Center, Building 30 on Princess Anne Rd., and the Harry E. Diezel Fire Training Center on Birdneck Rd. May 3-4, 2025 marks the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year's honorees will include the following Virginia firefighters: Firefighter James Carson Ward Jr., age 49, of the Virginia Department of Forestry, died on March 30, 2024, of a heart attack while operating at a wildland fire. Firefighter Trevor Brown, age 45, of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, died on February 16, 2024, in a gas explosion at a residential structure. Battalion Chief Gary Clark Campbell, age 52, of Spotsylvania County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management, died on January 20, 2022, from complications of COVID-19. Detailed information about each of the firefighters being memorialized can be found on the Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
5 fallen Florida firefighters will be honored this weekend. Here's who they are
This weekend, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will honor 70 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2024. Five of them were from Florida. The 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will also honor 70 more firefighters who died in previous years. 'Each of these 140 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others – a profound sacrifice that defines true heroism,' Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF said in a release. '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.' There will be two events open to the public at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland: a candlelight service on Saturday, May 3, and a memorial service on Sunday, May 4. Both events will be livestreamed. Private events will be held for the families and fire departments of the honored firefighters, the NFFF said. In 2001, then-President George W. Bush signed Public Law 107-51 requiring the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff on all federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters each year, coinciding with the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. "When you lower your flag this year, you will recognize the brave men and women who died protecting their communities from natural and manmade emergencies and disasters and those who carry on the proud tradition," the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation said. As of April 30, President Trump has not yet issued a proclamation for 2025, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has not yet issued a proclamation ordering state flags to be lowered to half-staff. On April 25, DeSantis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor fallen law enforcement officers around the state. Here are the Florida firefighters who will be honored at the events. Information provided by the NFFF. Ester, 51, died on May 10, 2024, after a 3½-year battle with cancer. He devoted his life to the service of his community, starting with the Harbor City Volunteer Ambulance Squad and then the Satellite Beach Fire Department before joining the Melbourne Fire Department, where he retired as a lieutenant. Ester also served as a flight paramedic for First Flight and trained and mentored paramedics. Ester is survived by his wife, Amy; his children, Eyan and Brett; and his stepchildren, Jordan, Trent, and Averi. Geld, 65, died on December 23, 2023, from complications of cancer. He began as a volunteer firefighter, ultimately joining the Melbourne Fire Department in 1988, where he trained others, built props for firefighter safety during training, and ran the driver development program. Geld also provided training at Florida Fire Training Institute and Eastern Florida State College. Geld is survived by his wife, Jackie; children, JR (Nikki), Jason (Courtney), John, and Andy; and grandchildren, Rory, Brinn, Charlee, and Connor. "Nate" Leonard, 43, died on January 12, 2022, from complications of cancer. Since joining the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department in 2007, Leonard has earned a Unit Citation, three Lifesaving Commendations, and a Meritorious Duty Commendation. He served for many years on the department's Dive Rescue Team. Leonard is survived by his wife, Nina; his parents, Jim and Marilyn; and his sister, Valerie. O'Shea, 44, died on April 13, 2024, from an aortic aneurysm. He began his 20-year career with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department in 2003, calling it 'the best job ever.' O'Shea saved countless lives, helped deliver at least eight babies, and even rescued several kittens along the way. O'Shea is survived by his wife, Melanie; his son, Simon (18), and his daughter, Lily (11). Tucker, 53, died on April 23, 2023, after a 22-month battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. As a young boy, Tucker responded to calls with his grandfather, a forestry service employee who started several volunteer fire stations in Alabama. He went to serve 19 years as a firefighter and EMT. When Pasco County moved forward in cancer prevention, Tucker got the specialty certificates needed to work on their decontamination truck that rolled out in April 2020 and later moved to their special operations truck. After his cancer diagnosis and treatment, Tucker moved to light duty but continued helping to train firefighters and make improvements in the training center. A new burn tower in the Pasco County Fire Rescue training center has been named for him. Tucker is survived by his wife, Wendy; his son, Austin; his mother and stepfather, Carolyn and David McKoy; and his father and stepmother, Jerry and Theresa Tucker. The candlelight service will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 3, 2025. A memorial service will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The NFFF will live stream both events on their website ( YouTube channel, and Facebook page. Even if you can't make it, there are ways to pay tribute to this year's honored firefighters. Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters (April 27 - May 4: Light your homes, businesses, landmarks or fire departments with red lights. Bells Across America (May 3-4): Sign up to ring bells across the country. Sound the Sirens (May 4): At noon, many fire stations will sound their sirens in honor of fallen firefighters. Sign the Remembrance Banner: You can pay tribute to a specific firefighter or share a story. Four of the five honored Florida firefighters died from cancer or complications from it. Firefighters put themselves at risk from more things than raging flames. Multiple studies have shown increased risks for cancer due to the smoke and hazardous chemicals firefighters and EMT personnel are exposed to in the line of duty. When houses burn, carcinogens are released from the many synthetic and plastic materials in the home that can be inhaled or absorbed into the skin. Older homes may still have asbestos insulation, and diesel exhaust can be a factor. According to research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population. Cancer was responsible for 70% of the line-of-duty deaths for career firefighters in 2016, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network said. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Fallen Firefighters Memorial to honor 5 Florida men who died in 2024
