Nation Pauses to Honor Fallen Firefighters

EMMITSBURG, MD -- They were moms and dads. Some were single, others were married. They were volunteers from the tiniest of companies as well as some from major metropolitan departments.

All were firefighters who perished while serving their communities.

 The air was crisp Sunday as the bagpipers opened the 41^st annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. More than 3,500 people from across the nation and beyond to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

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 The names of 148 firefighters – 108 who died in 2021 and 40 from previous years -- were added to a plaque along a marble wall at the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial.

 Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner said it was with great pain and great pride that she welcomed the families and colleagues.

 She mentioned that a local firefighter was among those to be honored. On Aug. 11, 2021, Frederick County Battalion Chief Joshua Laird was killed when he fell into the basement while battling a house fire.

 “Know that Frederick County stands with you now and in the years to come,” she said, adding that that residents will wrap their arms around them and offer comfort.

 Frederick County Firefighter Vinny Parrish said it was an honor to help support Laird’s wife and daughters.

“It was absolutely beautiful,” he said of the service adding that he was impressed with the outpouring of caring and support. 

 Frederick County Chief Tom Coe said when the nation comes to Emmitsburg to honor its heroes, it’s a special time.

 Coe presented Sara Laird and daughters with an American flag and red rose during the ceremony.

 Portland, OR Fire Chief Sara Boone was moved by the tributes to the fallen. “They were honored with dignity and respect…”

 Boone attended to support the family and colleagues of Jerry Richardson, 56, who died of occupational lung cancer last year. It was evident that she cared deeply. “With everything going on, the pandemic, the civil unrest, the heat wave, he truly taught us how to live. He was all-in in everything he did. His humor and spirit lifted the department…'all-in' was his favorite phrase and he lived it..."

 The chief added: “Jerry truly loved his family, his department and his country…”

Several of his closest coworkers also made the trip to Emmitsburg this weekend. “I thought it was important, and it was my promise to them and Jerry’s family to make sure we’re still here for them.”

 Retired Passaic, NJ Battalion Chief John Hayowyk said it was an honor to accompany the family of a fallen firefighter from his department.

 “We’re a very tight department. We only have 100,” he said, adding that the ceremony was wonderful. “The NFFF never disappoints.”

 Passaic Firefighter Israel Tolentino Jr., 33, died in March 2020 of COVID-19. His wife, Maria, their two children and her mother were very impressed. “It was very humbled. I didn’t know what to expect. It was very welcoming and family friendly,” Maria said.

 After he put out a small fire as a child in his home in Puerto Rico, his dream was to become a firefighter. And, in 2019, it became a reality.

 Fifteen of his colleagues made the trip to offer a final salute.

 Shirley McNeill found it hard to describe her feelings when she saw all the tributes along U.S. 15 from Gettysburg, PA to Emmitsburg.

 “There were fire trucks and other equipment at every intersection. There were firefighters and flags on the bridges. It was incredible that they blocked all the intersections along the way.”

 That poignant tribute was especially moving for them. “My husband was always putting flags along the road where a funeral procession would pass…”

 Her husband, Campobello, SC Fire Chief William McNeill, suffered a massive heart attack after a call on March 4, 2021. He was 69.

 “We loved it. It was very special,” she said of the ceremony. “He would have loved it.”

 The family’s involvement in the fire service didn’t end on that sad day.

 His son, Brandon McNeill, now wears the white helmet. The company, that covers 24 square miles, was all volunteer until 10 days ago. The move to hire career firefighters was brought on by an increase in number of responses.

 “The ceremony was absolutely amazing,” he said. “The outpouring of support from the local, state and across the nation has been just unbelievable…”

U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell told those assembled: "Any loss of a firefighter is tragic, to lose so many every year is unthinkable." 

It's important, she said, that the families be recognized for their sacrifices. 

She added the U.S. Fire Administration is grateful and supports the effort of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.