EMMITSBURG, MD. – The 30th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will honor six Kansas firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2010. They are among the 72 firefighters who died in 2010 and 17 firefighters who died in previous years who will be remembered at the official national service held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Captain Urban A. Eck, age 51, of the Wichita Fire Department fell ill at a structure fire and was hospitalized on the following shift. He died from complications of surgery for a cardiac problem on January 1, 2010.
Chief Stanley L. Giles, age 69, of the Linn Valley Lakes Fire Department died in an accident following a response on February 10, 2010.
Firefighter John Bradford Glaser, age 33, of the Shawnee Fire Department was separated from his crew and later found deceased inside the structure during a fire on May 22, 2010.
Captain Harold Reed, Sr., age 74, of the Peru Fire District #3 died of smoke inhalation on scene of a grass fire training exercise on April 11, 2010.
Chief Jonathan L. Siemers, age 44, of the Clay Center Fire Department died after suffering a heart attack within 24 hours of responding to a fire on February 21, 2010.
Chief Larry W. Suiter, age 65, of the Lorraine Green Garden Fire Department died after collapsing at home following a response for an anhydrous ammonia leak at a grain elevator on September 4, 2010.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security will sponsor the official national tribute on October 16, 2011.
As first responders to all natural and manmade emergencies, fire service personnel are in constant danger. During 2010, 72 firefighters died in the line of duty, making firefighting one of the nation’s most dangerous occupations.
More than 6,000 people, including Members of Congress, Administration officials and other dignitaries, members of the fire service, and families and friends of the fallen firefighters will attend the event. Families will receive flags flown over the U. S. Capitol and the National Memorial. Members of the fire service, honor guard units and pipe and drum units from across the U.S. will participate in this national tribute.
Many fire departments across the country will also conduct simultaneous services, lower flags to half-staff, sound sirens, and observe a moment of silent tribute. For the first time in Memorial Weekend history, departments and local places of worship are invited to participate in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, a national moment of remembrance, to honor those who died in the line of duty. For more information on Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters visit: www.BellsAcrossAmerica.com.
For a complete list of fallen firefighters being honored and a widget to display their information on your website, along with Memorial Weekend related videos, photos, media and broadcast information visit Weekend.FireHero.org.
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About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)
The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers. For more information on the Foundation and its programs contact us at 301-447-1365 or visit www.FireHero.org.