Latest news with #NationalFallenFirefightersMemorialWeekend
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FEMA in-person classes will resume in Emmitsburg
The National Fire Academy and National Disaster and Emergency Management University will resume in-person training in Emmitsburg. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced the decision in a press release on Thursday. In-person training was paused in March — though some online classes continued — in response to President Donald Trump's Executive Order that implemented the 'Department of Government Efficiency.' The executive order called for a review of contracts, policies and practices at federal agencies, in an effort to 'ensure Government spending is transparent and Government employees are accountable to the American public.' The training facilities reopened after a comprehensive review by FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration determined that in-person courses provided effective training, according to the release. 'FEMA's principles for emergency management assert that disasters are best managed when they're federally supported, state managed and locally executed,' the press release said. Emmitsburg Mayor Frank Davis said Thursday that he was not surprised by that outcome given his relationships with staff including Superintendent Eriks Gabliks. 'I was positive that they were going to find everything in good shape,' Davis said. Spokespeople for the training facilities and FEMA could not be reached by phone for comment on Thursday. Despite in-person classes being cancelled, the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend was held at the National Emergency Training Center as planned earlier this month. Davis said that given what a hub of activity the academies provide the town, with visitors eating in local restaurants and shopping locally, the announcement will 'make a good weekend for' the business community as it looks forward to the resumption. Chris Wilson, daytime manager at the Ott House, said the news was great, not just for the bar and restaurant, but for the entire Emmitsburg community. 'Things have been kind of quiet,' Wilson said. She added that the bar and restaurant has been getting by just fine, saying the Ott House is 'here for everybody.' The walls and bar top at the Ott House are covered in patches, helmets and other items from fire departments and other emergency responders from across the country. Wilson said owners Bob Ott and Susie Glass have estimated that around 30% of the bar's business comes from the academy. 'We're glad to have them back,' Wilson said. 'We missed them.' Davis added that having the town's largest water customer back online helps the town with budgetary concerns. 'Also, we're going to be reaching out to them in the near future to help us with our disaster preparedness program — we need to have that updated and we're going to be looking for help from them with that,' he said. 'So it's really good news for us.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why flags are flying at half-staff Thursday
DENVER (KDVR) — You may notice flags across the country lowered to half-staff on Thursday. President Donald Trump ordered United States officials to lower flags to half-staff on Thursday for Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day to honor those serving in law enforcement and for those who lost their lives in the line of duty. 'We honor our brave officers who serve on the front lines to protect our families, safeguard our communities, and shoulder a burden of responsibility that most Americans cannot fathom,' Trump said in a proclamation. Police Week takes place from May 11-17, and honors, remembers and supports members in the line of duty. Police Officers Memorial Day takes place on May 15 to honor their sacrifice. The United States and state flags across the country will be lowered on Thursday from sunrise to sunset. 'I stand in steadfast solidarity with those who defend our freedoms and the families who love and support them. We pray for those who grieve the fallen and pledge that their lives, legacies, and sacrifices will forever be remembered by our grateful Nation,' said Trump. Flags were recently flown at half-staff for National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend and the death of Pope Francis. Flags will again fly at half-staff on Memorial Day, but only for a short time, in adherence with the specific United States Code. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
WNC man who died heroically during Hurricane Helene is honored at National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Battalion Chief Tony Garrison of the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department was selfless to the end. The 51-year-old died last fall while attempting to save lives during Hurricane Helene. Widow Mary Garrison says his strong willingness to help was part of his DNA. 'He was just a simple man; that's just the way he lived his life. He loved his family, and he's truly missed,' she told Queen City News. More than seven months after the disaster, her husband was among those honored at the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Maryland. Tony's family and fellow Fairview firefighters attended in his memory. 'To have him honored this way, I'm blessed to be able to travel up there and to be able to attend the service,' said Mary. The tribute remembered 70 first responders who died in the line of duty last year, and 70 more who died in previous years. 'That's just what embodies the values of fire service,' said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Association. 'That's why it's so important to commemorate these men and women who have served so bravely and courageously.' Garrison stepped up on September 27th of 2024, one of the darkest days imaginable 'He went running out the door, there was no 'Goodbye,' there was no 'Be careful,' he went to do what he was trained to do,' Mary remembers. While Tony searched for loved ones during the storm with nephew Brandon Ruppe, both were overwhelmed by flooding and landslides and lost their lives. Tony's son Dylan was also with them, but somehow, he survived. 'He said, 'We were under the water.' He said, 'I couldn't breathe.' He said, 'I couldn't move.' He's a miracle, my son is a miracle,' says Mary, reflecting on the wide range of emotions. That day, a total of 13 were killed in the Garren Creek community. Tony was one of 11 from the same family who died in the area known as Craigtown. The victims included Lois and Jimmy Souther, and Dan and Evelyn Wright. Months later, the Garrison family's bittersweet journey led to a somber ceremony, where fallen firefighters were announced. 'Tony Ray Garrison, Fairview Volunteer Fire Department incorporated,' his family heard, before being presented with a folded American flag. Mary accepted it with their children Hannah and Dylan by her side. 'I'm honored to do that for him, and for his memory, absolutely,' she says. 'Truthfully, that's the only thing that gives me comfort, is that I know [Tony] was doing what [he was trained to do],' said Mary. Garrison was one of 11 North Carolina first responders honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Mary holds onto many memories of good times from their wedding day, moments with their family, and fishing. She even sent us a photo of him cutting his spaghetti with a pair of scissors. Tony's love of life was matched by his sense of humor. 'We had a first date that I will never forget. He took me bowling, but it was with his whole family. For a first date, I thought, 'Wow!'' Perhaps that first date was telling, because throughout his life, family mattered most. That's why at the height of disaster, Tony Garrison sprang to action. 'That was just a testament to the kind of person he was… he was going to help anybody that he could have,' Mary says. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
US, state flags to fly at half staff through Sunday: Here's why
DENVER (KDVR) — Flags across the U.S. are flying at half-staff on Sunday to honor some of the bravest Americans who risked their own lives to protect their neighbors. It's part of the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, which is accompanied by an event held in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to commemorate the lives of volunteer and professional firefighters who have died in the line of duty over the past year and beyond. The history behind those extravagant Kentucky Derby hats 'Across the country, brave men and women demonstrate heroism each day, willingly placing themselves in harm's way for the benefit of others,' reads a proclamation made by President Donald Trump on May 1. 'We are indebted to every American who chooses this noble profession — this solemn calling — in spite of the inherent risks.' The proclamation notes the heroic efforts of firefighters on and after Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the destructive and deadly wildfires in southern California earlier this year. Trump also spoke of one firefighter whom he said will 'forever hold a profound place in my life.' 'Corey Comperatore, who lost his life shielding his family from the barrage of assassin's bullets that pierced the air during my rally last July in Butler, Pennsylvania,' Trump wrote in his proclamation. 'His bravery and selflessness on that fateful day exemplify the dedication and courage that define America's cadre of firefighters.' Trump ordered that all U.S. flags be flown at half-staff at all Federal office buildings on May 3 and May 4. Governors throughout the country, including Colorado's Gov. Jared Polis, have also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, from sunrise to sunset, in alignment with Trump's proclamation. 'This is a time to reflect and remember those and their families who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our communities in the face of devastating events. In Colorado, we value the hard work and dedication of our firefighters to make sure communities are prepared, protected, and informed during emergencies. We honor our fallen firefighters by ensuring their legacies and loved ones are cared for here in Colorado, ' said Polis in the announcement of his order. Flags were previously flown at half-staff for about a week in April due to the death of Pope Francis. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why are flags flying at half-staff in Pennsylvania?
(WHTM) — Flags in Pennsylvania are flying at half-staff by order of Governor Josh Shapiro. Shapiro ordered the U.S. and Commonwealth flags to fly at half-staff at all Commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds to honor fallen Pennsylvania firefighters during National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. 'Every day, brave firefighters run towards danger to keep Pennsylvanians safe, and we need to continue to fight for them and honor their work to protect our communities,' said Shapiro. 'This National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, we join together to honor the Pennsylvania firefighters we've lost – who gave their lives running towards danger to keep our friends and neighbors safe – and remember their legacies of service and sacrifice. Lori and I pray for the family members and loved ones they leave behind. On behalf of a grateful Commonwealth, may their memories be a blessing.' All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute, Shapiro said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
