By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
EMMITSBURG, Md. — The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is set to host the 43rd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on May 4 and 5, 2024.
This annual tribute will honor 89 firefighters who lost their lives while on duty in 2023, along with 137 firefighters who passed away in prior years.
Although the event is traditionally held at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland, due to weather, this year’s event will be held at the PNC Sports Complex Arena at Mount St. Mary’s University.
This year’s memorial service coincides with International Firefighters’ Day, celebrated annually on May 4. This day honors fallen firefighters across the world who have sacrificed their lives for our safety and shows appreciation for the dedication of firefighters around the world.
The International Firefighters’ Day Sound Off is also a special time to stop and reflect on the sacrifices made by firefighters. On the first Sunday in May at noon local time each year fire, sirens sound for 30 seconds followed by a minute’s silence in memory of, and respect for, all firefighters who have been lost in the line of duty.
Historically, bells were used in the fire service to call firefighters, indicate emergencies, or end shifts. A unique sequence of five bells marked a firefighter’s line-of-duty death. This solemn tradition continues at funerals and memorials. You can participate in honoring fallen firefighters by joining the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Bells Across America event, which coincides with the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on May 5.