The event honored 79 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2022 and 65 from prior years. "Carry that peace home and keep it in your heart," he said. Pictures of the fallen firefighters with their families played on large screens at the event, while people held lit candles.Īfter they did, Mosby invited the crowd to take a few deep breaths. ![]() Kennedy of the North Charleston Fire Department in South Carolina singing "You will be found" from the musical "Dear Evan Hansen" and "This little light of mine" from baritone Thomas Beard. The event's musical performances included Capt. Why the long commute? A "career in the fire service was his dream job," Veith said. for a shift that began at 6 a.m., only to find Paris already there, working on chores or getting the coffee made. Paris had to drive two and a half hours from Tripoli to work his 24-hour shift, every third day, Veith said. He was always moving," Veith said in a phone interview. Paris was a quiet, reserved person, and a hard worker, said William Veith, a lieutenant with the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services and a supervisor of Paris's shift when he worked at Green Valley. fire administrator, Lori Moore-Merrell, attended, along with Mayor Donald Briggs of Emmitsburg. There has undoubtedly been a seismic shift in your plans and your dreams," he added. ![]() We were reminded of the seasonality of our lives," Troy Markel, chairman of the board of directors of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and president of VFIS, a subsidiary of Glatfelter Insurance Group, said during the ceremony. "With moving this weekend from October, we found ourselves contemplating the changes in our preparations big and small. The switch was made because of the possibility of a government shutdown and uncertain weather conditions in October, when the event is usually held. This was the first time in decades, according to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's website, that the event did not take place in October. Louis Fire Department.Įvent officials placed the Presidential Wreath in front of a Maltese Cross, which represents those in fire service, and revealed a plaque with the names of the honored firefighters. Mosby is a public information officer at the St. "Through music, and light, we wish to offer you peaceful moments to reflect upon your fallen firefighter," master of ceremonies Capt. His family attended the service, Frederick County Fire Chief Tom Coe wrote in a text message. Paris died in December after he and Marvin Gruber were trapped in a house during a three-alarm fire in West Penn Township, Pennsylvania. Zachary Paris, of the New Tripoli Fire Company near Allentown, Pa., and a Green Valley career firefighter in Frederick County was among those honored. The two public events are the candlelight vigil and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday. Throughout the weekend, 144 firefighters will be honored in events at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park at the National Emergency Training Center. Authorities have searched his motel room and other locations with connections to him.May 7-Saturday night marked the annual candlelight vigil for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, where attendees lit electric lights in honor of lost loved ones. Police are currently investigating Garcia and his motives. President Joe Biden said in a statement that Garcia used “an AR-15 style assault weapon” and wore “tactical gear.” He also said children were among those killed. The group chanted, “Enough is enough,” while lighting votives.Īs the group dispersed, many stayed behind to sit quietly amidst the glow of the candlelight.ĭetails about Garcia’s motive and victims have not been confirmed. But when you look at the problem that we have as a whole here in America, it’s time that we take a stand,” she said, posterboard in hand.Ītkins said she was shocked by the senseless violence.Ĭommunity leader Cheryl Jackson of Minnie’s Food Pantry led the mourners in prayer and a verse of Amazing Grace while candles were placed around the crosses. Shawnda Atkins sat with her daughters holding signs that read, “Have y’all changed your mind on gun laws yet?”Ītkins says she arrived at the mall just as Garcia started shooting. They demanded action from elected officials. A small group of protestors were also in attendance.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |