Firefighter Honor

EMMITSBURG, Md. – The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will host the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on May 3-4, 2025 in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year’s national tribute will honor 70 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2024 and 70 firefighters who died in previous years. The honorees will include the following South Carolina firefighters:

Firefighter Landon Cale Bodie, age 18, and Chief Chad Satcher, age 53, of the Circle Fire Department - Saluda County Fire Service, died on September 27, 2024, when a tree fell on the cab of their fire apparatus during a response to a call related to Hurricane Helene.

Chief Chad Satcher, age 53, and Firefighter Landon Cale Bodie, age 18, of the Circle Fire Department - Saluda County Fire Service, died on September 27, 2024, when a tree fell on the cab of their fire apparatus during a response to a call related to Hurricane Helene.

Engineer Michael “Mike Mike” Vinson, age 27, of the Clinton Fire Department, died on March 31, 2024, died in an apparatus accident on the way to a medical call.

Detailed information about each of the 226 firefighters being memorialized can be found on the 2025 Roll of Honor.

“This weekend is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage and commitment of those who put their lives on the line to protect others,” said Troy Markel, Chair of the NFFF Board of Directors. “We come together not only to remember the fallen, but to stand in solidarity with their families and departments, letting them know their loved ones will never be forgotten."

“Each of these 140 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others – a profound sacrifice that defines true heroism,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF. “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 are two events open to the public at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park on the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) during Memorial Weekend.

·         The National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service is on May 3 at 7:30 pm ET and will be hosted by Fire Captain Garon Mosby of the St. Louis Fire Department.

·         The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is on May 4 at 10:00 am ET and will be hosted by actor Jeremy Holm.

Fire service and government leaders are scheduled to address the thousands of attendees at the Memorial Service on Sunday, May 4. The NFFF will live stream both events on the NFFF’s website (firehero.org), YouTube channel, and Facebook page.

There are additional events during Memorial Weekend provided exclusively for the families and fire departments of honored firefighters. These include small group sessions and other activities throughout Friday and Saturday; they are open to the families and coworkers of newly honored and previously honored firefighters.

Schedule

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Candlelight Service 

Time: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm ET 

Streaming begins at 7:00 pm ET

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Memorial Service

Time: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm ET

Streaming begins at 9:30 am ET

Location

National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park

National Emergency Training Center (NETC)

16835 S. Seton Avenue

Emmitsburg, MD 21727

The NFFF will provide live satellite feeds of both events. 

How Communities Can Participate

Those not attending Memorial Weekend in person can also pay tribute to this year’s honored firefighters. All can participate in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters (April 27- May 4) by lighting their homes, businesses, landmarks, or fire departments with red lights. Other ways to remember include Bells Across America, Sound the Sirens,and by signing a virtual Remembrance Banner.

In addition, the American flag will be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings on Sunday, May 4. The public is also encouraged to lower their American flags that day to recognize the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Public Access And Parking 

Public parking for Memorial Weekend is at Liberty Mountain Resort (78 Country Club Trail, Fairfield, PA). Shuttles from Liberty Mountain Resort will begin at 6:30 am on Saturday, May 3 and at 6:30 am on Sunday, May 4.

Memorial Weekend is supported by individual and corporate donors, a grant from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, and in partnership with the U.S. Fire Administration, a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Social Media: #FireHero2025 #NFFF                                  

Website: weekend.firehero.org

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About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)

The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and co-workers.  The NFFF also works with our affiliate organization the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) and the fire service to help prevent and reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL WEEKEND, 2025 _______________________________________________________________ BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA   A PROCLAMATION        Day and night, firefighters are on the front lines, rushing into danger and risking their lives to protect fellow citizens.  Tragically, not every hero makes it home.  The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, held in Emmitsburg, Maryland, commemorates the volunteer and professional firefighters who, over the past year, have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.      Thousands will gather to honor the lives and legacies of the fallen, to support the Fire Hero Families, to grieve and share memories, and to strengthen bonds between those who uniquely understand both the enduring pride and the profound loss of their loved ones.  Across the country, brave men and women demonstrate heroism each day, willingly placing themselves in harm's way for the benefit of others.  We are indebted to every American who chooses this noble profession -- this solemn calling -- in spite of the inherent risks.      There are pivotal moments in American history in which the awe-inspiring bravery and professionalism of firefighters stand forever imprinted on our memory.  On September 11, 2001, firefighters rushed into the smoke and flames of the twin towers following the horrific terrorist attacks.  In January of this year, firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fury of the deadly and destructive wildfires that raged through southern California.  These phenomenal efforts make us proud and grateful for those who stand in the gap for our safety.        One firefighter 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.  His bravery and selflessness on that fateful day exemplify the dedication and courage that define America's cadre of firefighters.       The First Lady and I are grateful for the devotion of all who serve their communities and our country in this extraordinary way.  Firefighters often enter our lives only when something has gone catastrophically wrong, yet they stand ready every day to protect our people and communities.  This National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, we remember the American patriots who gave their lives in service to others, and pray for the courageous families who carry on in their absence.      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 3 through May 4, 2025, as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.  On Sunday, May 4, 2025, in accordance with Public Law 107-51, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff at all Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.     DONALD J. TRUMP