Emmitsburg Memorial Weekend Honors Fallen Firefighters

News Summary

Emmitsburg, Maryland will host the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on May 3-4, 2025, honoring 140 firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. The event includes a Candlelight Service and a Memorial Service, with both ceremonies live-streamed for public participation. This poignant weekend serves as a significant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice made by firefighters and their families, spotlighting the importance of community support and recognition of these heroes.

Emmitsburg to Celebrate Fallen Heroes This Memorial Weekend

Get ready, folks! Emmitsburg, Maryland, is gearing up for a heartwarming and poignant event that honors our brave firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice. On May 3-4, 2025, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will host the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, a special occasion where 140 firefighters will be remembered for their courage and dedication.

Honoring Our Fallen Firefighters

This year marks a significant gathering as we pay tribute to 140 heroic individuals—70 who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2024 and another 70 from previous years. Among those honored will be 11 firefighters from North Carolina whose stories and sacrifices deserve our heartfelt recognition.

• Battalion Chief John Alexander Bowen, age 35, from Fayetteville Fire Department, succumbed to cancer complications on April 16, 2022.
• Captain Nathan Clark Burgess, age 49, of Raleigh Fire Department, also lost his battle with cancer complications on November 12, 2023.
• Battalion Chief Tony Ray Garrison, age 51, from Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, sustained injuries while responding to Hurricane Helene and passed on September 27, 2024.
• Assistant Chief Thomas M. Lee Sr., a vibrant 82-year-old from Kill Devil Hills Fire Department, died on February 19, 2024, following physical fitness training.
• Captain Jeffrey M. Lyons, age 61, from Asheville Fire Department, lost his fight against cancer complications on November 16, 2022.
• Chief Anthony Bryant “Tony” Mauldin, age 60, from Town of Fuquay-Varina Fire Department, passed away from cancer complications on November 26, 2022.
• Assistant Fire Marshal David Scott Merritt, 54, of Durham Fire Department, also fell victim to cancer complications on December 26, 2021.
• Captain Ronnie Buren Metcalf, age 53, from Lexington Fire Department, died from injuries sustained during a structure fire on March 29, 2024.
• Captain Robert Paul Nordman, age 48, of Northern Wake Fire Department, succumbed to cancer complications on December 17, 2018.
• Captain Thomas Ray Patterson, age 74, from Louisburg Fire Department, passed after responding to multiple calls on September 12, 2024.
• Firefighter Troy Thompson, age 46, from Seven Springs Volunteer Fire Department, suffered a heart attack while on scene of a vehicle accident and passed on October 4, 2023.

A Weekend of Remembrance and Community

The weekend’s events will be a powerful reminder of the sacrifice that comes with being a firefighter. NFFF Chair, Troy Markel, and CEO, Victor Stagnaro, emphasized the importance of recognizing these heroes and their families, stating that their commitment and courage should never be forgotten.

Mark your calendars for two major public events during this Memorial Weekend:

• Candlelight Service: Join us on May 3 at 7:30 pm ET for a beautiful evening of reflection.
• Memorial Service: On May 4 at 10:00 am ET, come together as we honor these fallen heroes in a moving ceremony.

Both of these events will be live-streamed on the NFFF’s official website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page, allowing everyone to join in the remembrance from wherever they are.

Family Activities and Community Involvement

In addition to the official memorials, there will be family-oriented events for firefighters’ families and departments throughout the weekend. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others and share in the camaraderie.

If you want to show your support, consider participating in the “Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters” initiative, where communities can light their homes and landmarks with red lights from April 27 to May 4.

On May 4, all federal buildings will lower their American flags to half-staff, as a mark of respect for these brave individuals. The events will take place at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park, located at the National Emergency Training Center, 16835 S. Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.

Join Us to Celebrate Their Lives

This Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg promises to be a time of reflection, remembrance, and community support. Let’s come together to honor those who gave so much, reminding us all of the true spirit of heroism that exists within our first responders. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Additional Resources

• ABC 11 News
• The Republic
• KATV News
• Stuttgart Daily Leader
• South Pasadenan
• Wikipedia: Fallen Firefighters
• Google Search: Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend