Retiring Senator Honored for Service to NFFF

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As a boy, Paul Sarbanes often ran to his window to watch volunteer firefighters in Salisbury, MD. respond to calls. His interest never waned.

Sarbanes said while those early memories impressed him, he gained an even more profound respect for firefighters after reading America Burning. That document moved him not only to enhance tools for first responders, but to honor those who pay the ultimate sacrifice while performing their duties. He made the comments Thursday night as survivors and fire service personnel gathered in Washington for the National Remembrance Tribute Reception, the kickoff event of the 25th annual memoial weekend. The U.S. Senator from Maryland, who penned legislation to create the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and National Fallen Firefighters Monument., told survivors that their loved ones will not be forgotten. Calling Sarbanes "the grandfather of the NFFF," Executive Director Ron Siarnicki said there are not enough words to thank him for all that he's done for the fire service. "...He's been fighting every day..." For his efforts, Sarbanes was presented with a crystal replica of the fallen firefighters' monument. On Sunday, the retiring senator will deliver the keynote address at the annual memorial service honoring 100 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2005, and seven from previous years. FEMA Director R. David Paulison lauded the survivors for coming back to help new families as they struggle with lives without their loved ones. "...You are here to support each other..." The former USFA head said words seem inadequate, but added: "One thing we will never do is forget those who gave..." San Antonio Fire Chief Robert Ojeda said for many in the room, a date would be forever etched in their memory. For him, it's May 8, 1975. That's when his father was killed trying to make rescue in a flood. Ojeda fondly recalled his father had all the hallmarks of a firefighter. "I grew up in the fire station, and that's all I wanted to do." His father was not happy when he announced his plans to follow in his bootsteps, but eventually gave in. "He made me promise two things - that I would continue my education and go for promotions so I would not be riding the tailboards forever." The crowd was silent as Ojeda explained how he kept and even exceeded those promises he made to his idol so many years ago, and how there was a void at his promotion ceremony. His father's name is on a brick in the walk of honor at the memorial, not a plaque. But, Ojeda said his contributions and memory live on. Survivors of fallen heroes will be welcomed Friday night at a reception in Frederick, hosted by the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and the local IAFF union. On Saturday, they will have the opportunity to attend specific grief sessions. Children will be decorating luminaries that each family will light during a candlelight vigil at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. The memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday at the National Fire Academy. Shuttle buses will run between Mount St. Mary's College and the campus.