The COVID-19 pandemic left an indelible mark on the fire service, reshaping the way firefighters operate while underscoring their unwavering dedication to protecting their communities. As frontline responders, firefighters did not have the option to stay home. Instead, they answered the call, often placing themselves in harm’s way with limited protective measures and an ever-present risk of exposure to the virus. As a result, many paid the ultimate price for their selfless service.
Since the onset of the pandemic, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of 139 firefighters who have been honored on the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. This year, during Memorial Weekend 2025, we will add an additional 16 firefighters who succumbed to the virus, bringing the total number of recognized COVID-related firefighter deaths to 155. These numbers reflect the profound impact the pandemic has had on the fire service and the lives lost in the line of duty.
The toll of COVID-19 on firefighters was particularly severe during the peak years of the pandemic. In 2021, we honored 14 firefighters who lost their lives to the virus. That number climbed in 2022, with 36 additional names added to the National Memorial, then 27 in 2023. The highest toll came in 2024, when 62 firefighters were recognized for their sacrifices.
Beyond the tragic loss of life, the pandemic placed extraordinary mental and physical burdens on firefighters. Departments across the nation struggled with staffing shortages due to illness, quarantine mandates, and the physical toll of responding to an increased volume of emergency calls. Firefighters worked extended shifts, often with minimal rest, all while dealing with the emotional strain of losing colleagues and facing an unpredictable and deadly virus.
Despite the challenges, the fire service adapted. Departments implemented new decontamination procedures, improved PPE protocols, and modified response strategies to minimize exposure risks. Firefighters stepped up, not only responding to fire and medical emergencies but also assisting with community vaccination efforts, delivering medical supplies, and supporting overwhelmed healthcare systems. Their resilience and commitment to service never wavered.
As we reflect on the sacrifices made, it is crucial to honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty due to COVID-19. Their dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the selflessness inherent in the fire service. The pandemic tested the limits of firefighters across the country, but their unwavering commitment to protecting their communities endured.
This Memorial Weekend, as we add more names to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, we reaffirm our pledge to remember and honor every firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against COVID-19.
The legacy of those we have lost will continue to inspire future generations of firefighters, reminding us all of the bravery, resilience and unwavering dedication that define the fire service. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Learn more about the firefighters who lost their lives to COVID-19.
