By Trish Svoboda

The 43rd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, organized by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), is set to take place in Emmitsburg, Maryland on May 4-5, as stated in a release. This year’s commemoration will pay tribute to 89 firefighters who lost their lives while on duty in 2023, along with 137 firefighters who passed away in prior years.

The honorees will include four Kansas firefighters; Firefighter/EMT Joshua “Josh” Bruggeman, 46, of the Wichita Fire Department, Assistant Chief Frank Enke, 48, of the Girard Fire Department, Firefighter/Paramedic Jason Garrett, 46, of the Kansas City Fire Department, and Division Chief Martin “Marty” Smith, 64, of the Montgomery County Fire District #1. Details about the 226 firefighters who are being honored can be accessed on the 2024 Roll of Honor.

“National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to pause and reflect on the heroic efforts and selfless service of the fallen firefighters we are paying tribute to this year,” said NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro. “We will always remember the bravery, commitment, and sacrifices of each of these 226 heroes—and their families.”

There are two events that will take place at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park on the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) during Memorial Weekend. Both events are open to the public.

· The National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service is on May 4 at 7:30 pm ET and will be hosted by Fire Captain Garon Mosby of the St. Louis Fire Department.

· The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is on May 5 at 10:00 am ET and will be hosted by actor Jeremy Holm