UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
MARYLAND FIRE AND RESCUE INSTITUTE
BULLETIN APRIL - JUNE 2024 VOL.54 NO.2
MFRI PARTNERS TO PROVIDE LOGISTICAL SUPPORT DURING NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL WEEKEND
During the first weekend in May, the 43rd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend was held in Emmitsburg, MD to honor 226 fallen firefighters from across the country. Thousands of family and fire service members attended the weekend, which included a candlelight service, an honor flag presentation, a memorial service, a fire hero family flag raising, an honor guard processional, pipes and drums, and a tolling of the bells. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) provides travel, lodging, and meals for immediate family members of fallen firefighters being honored. This allows families to participate in a variety of activities and sessions with trained grief counselors and in private and public tributes. MFRI, in partnership with the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Maryland Fire Chiefs
Photos courtesy of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Foundation
Association, provides transportation and logistical support to ensure the weekend goes as smoothly as possible for the families and friends who attend. With additional assistance from various fire departments in MD and other agencies, more than 200 attendees and their luggage were safely transported by volunteers from airports in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. MFRI volunteers transported an entire truckload of donated bottled water from a Target in Prince George’s County to Emmitsburg. In addition, the crew moved the dining hall and all of its contents to Mt. St. Mary’s University due to inclement weather concerns. “These are just small examples of a massive, coordinated effort that involves months of planning and hundreds continued on page 3