National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight & Memorial

Every October, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line-of-duty during the previous year. This year, a plaque with the names of 103 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2008 will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. The names of 19 firefighters who died in previous years will also be added.

I took a moment to look at the proclamations by state and found that three firefighters from Ohio are being honored in this weekend’s memorial services.

Firefighter Brian Schira, age 29, and Captain Robin Zang-Broxterman, age 37, of the Colerain Township Fire Department died after becoming trapped following a floor collapse at a residential structure fire on April 4, 2008.

Captain Gary Studer, age 61, of the Whitehouse Fire Department was found unresponsive at the station after failing to respond for a call on June 28, 2008.

I cried, of course, because that’s what I do. Robin Zang-Broxterman was the first female to reach the rank of captain in the Colerain Township department. She was a seventeen year veteran. She left behind two daughters and a fiance who is also a firefighter. Her mother was also a firefighter. Brian Schira, so young, had just joined that particular department the year before, having previously worked elsewhere. The two fell through the floor to the basement during the fire. The loss of two firefighters in one fire is devastating. Their stories are unique and yet, at the same time, carry the same weight of sadness of every other story of a line-of-duty death.

Gary Studer, 61, was found unconscious in his bunk when his crew was responding to another call at 1:30 in the morning. He had suffered a stroke and later passed away due to complications. Studer was a state fire instructor and state fire inspector. He held a degree in fire science, and was pursuing graduate work. All of that proves that the love of the fire life just doesn’t magically go away at an age in which society believes you should retire.

These three firefighters will be honored this weekend along with the others around the country. They are making the memorial services available online for those who are interested in watching. The National Candlelight Service will feature musical selections by members of the fire service and survivors of fallen firefighters and a video tribute to 2008 fallen firefighters. One candle will be lit for each fallen firefighter being honored. Online coverage begins at 6:15pm on October 3, 2009 and can be viewed here. The Memorial Service will remember America’s firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2008. Thousands of people are expected to attend and celebrate the lives of these firefighters. The ceremony will begin with an honor guard procession. Families receive American flags flown over the United States Capitol and the Emmitsburg monument. The tribute will conclude with the unveiling of the memorial plaque listing the names of the 2008 fallen firefighters and those honored from earlier years. Online coverage begins at 9:30am on Sunday, October 4 2009 and can be viewed here. (You can also watch on FireHero.org and some other sites.)

This weekend may be just the first weekend in October for many of you and your families. For many in the fire service, this is a weekend of remembrance, reflection, respect and honor all mixed with some sadness. If you are interested in honoring the lives and families of the fallen firefighters, FireHero.org suggests, in addition to viewing the ceremonies, to lower your flag. They will be lowered across the country on Sunday, October 4 at the U.S. Capitol and the White House and at local government buildings.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has a special section of their website dedicated to the Memorial Weekend coverage. I encourage you to take a quick look and really stop to ponder why they have activities for children and families; children who have lost a father, a mother. It’s heartbreaking. If you have a moment and a dollar, I also urge you to make a donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Their mission is simple: To help those affected in re-building their lives and to never forget the sacrifices their loved one has made. You can donate as little as a dollar. Every dollar helps.

This weekend comes right before National Fire Prevention Week. Look for lots of posts next week about fire safety, fire education and planning for the safety of your family. And cookies shaped like fire trucks. Until then, take a moment this weekend to remember The Bravest among us who gave all. The FireFamily respects their memory and honors their sacrifice.

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[For firefighters and new readers stopping in to read this post, we're not normally this pink. We are Pink for October to honor my Mom who is a breast cancer survivor.]