Fallen firefighters memorial services this weekend

By James Rada Jr.
News Editor

Fire safety workers from across the country, family members and friends will gather in Emmitsburg the weekend of Oct 6-7 to honor firefighters who died in the line of duty during 2006.

The 26th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend at the National Fire Academy will honor 87 fallen firefighters from 33 states who died in 2006, along with four firefighters who died in previous years. Two Maryland firefighters and four Pennsylvania firefighters are included on this year’s roll of honor. The plaques surrounding the memorial will contain the names of more than 3,100 firefighters.

On Saturday a vigil will be held at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, bikers will travel with police escort through downtown Emmitsburg in the ninth annual Red Helmets Ride. They will ride to the Fire Academy and lay a wreath at the National Monument at noon.

Saturday evening a candlelight service at the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton will begin at 6:30 p.m. preceded by a musical interlude at 6 p.m.

On Sunday a 10 a.m. memorial service will be held on the National Fire Academy campus at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. An honor guard and bagpipers processional will begin the ceremony. Included will be the unveiling of the plaque listing the names of the 2006 fallen heroes and others being honored who have died in previous years.