The families of firefighters from all over the country will be in Maryland this Saturday and Sunday for the 43rd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation CEO Victor Stagnaro tells us they’ll honor 89 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2023 and 137 firefighters who died in previous years.
“We invite the families to come and attend the ceremony,” Stagnaro said. “Fortunately, through donations, we’re able to support each family traveling and cover their lodging so the nation can pause and express its gratitude for the sacrifices made by their loved ones.”
Stagnaro says the foundation works to support both the families and the departments of firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
“About every 72 hours or so, a firefighter dies in the line of duty. I know we need to evaluate that even closer. One of the things that we’re learning is that firefighters are dying more of certain diseases that we were not aware of before.”
Among the firefighters to be honored at the memorial this weekend will be Lieutenant Ethan Quillen of the Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department. The 28-year-old Quillen responded to the scene of trees on fire and wires down due to an ice storm on February 22 of last year. While at the scene, a tree broke and caused a power line to collapse and strike Quillen. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Stagnaro says the foundation works to provide grief services and financial support to the families of firefighters like Quillen.
This weekend’s ceremony will be livestreamed. You can watch on the Facebook page of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
