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NOVEMBER 2016 | Vol. 21 | Issue 11 | Mail Run: 8,498 | Total Print Run: 11,500

www.thecatoctinbanner.com Your Good News Community Newspaper, Serving Northern Frederick County, MD Since 1995 www.epluspromotes.com

The 35th Annual National
Firefighters Memorial Weekend

Anita DiGregory

“I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a firefighter. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we
who know the work which the firefighter has to do believe that his is a noble calling. There is an adage which says that, ‘Nothing can be destroyed
except by fire.’ We strive to preserve from destruction the wealth of the world which is the product of the industry of men, necessary for the comfort
of both the rich and the poor. We are defenders from fires of the art which has beautified the world, the product of the genius of men and the means
of refinement of mankind. But, above all; our proudest endeavor is to save lives of men—the work of God Himself. Under the impulse of such
thoughts, the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even at the supreme sacrifice. Such considerations may not
strike the average mind, but they are sufficient to fill to the limit our ambition in life and to make us serve the general purpose of human society.”

— Chief Edward F. Croker FDNY circa 1910

Photo Courtesy of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Management Agency Administrator;
the Honorable Don Briggs, Mayor
On October 7-9, 2016, the The Memorial Service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg on Sunday, of Emmitsburg; and the Honorable
National Fallen Firefighters October 9, 2016 Jan H. Gardner, County Executive,
Foundation (NFFF) held its 35th Frederick County.
Annual Memorial Weekend to honor these deaths were also honored. pleased with this decision,” said
all firefighters who died in the line “The Federal Government conducted Chief Dennis Compton, chairman of The tribute included several
of duty. The national tribute, which a thorough review to ensure that the NFFF Board of Directors. Due time-honored traditions important
included a wreath-laying ceremony at deaths related to 9/11 illnesses can to this, the names of twenty-four to firefighters and their families.
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at now be recognized as line-of-duty FDNY members who died before For the sixth year, the memorial
Arlington National Cemetery, family deaths, and the National Fallen 2015 and two who died in 2015 incorporated Bells Across America.
activities, a vigil, and a candlelight Firefighters Foundation is very from 9/11-related illnesses were Numerous fire departments and
service, culminated with the public added to the memorial. places of worship across the nation
Memorial Service on Sunday at joined the NFFF in this ceremony,
the National Fallen Firefighters Sunday’s Memorial Service was ringing their bells in honor of those
Memorial in Emmitsburg. attended by approximately 5,000 firefighters who paid the ultimate
people, including family members, sacrifice in the line of duty. The
During the memorial weekend, co-workers, friends, and the public, public ceremony also included
the U.S. Fire Service honored the who gathered to honor the life, a traditional honor guard and
lives of seventy-nine firefighters who service, and ultimate sacrifice of bagpiper procession. Each family
died in the line of duty in 2015, and these heroes. Other honorable guests of the fallen was presented with
thirty-three firefighters who died included Chief Ernest Mitchell, U.S. an American flag. These 112 flags,
in previous years. According to the Fire Administrator; the Honorable which flew over the U.S. Capitol,
NFFF, the number of firefighters W. Craig Fugate, Federal Emergency were presented to the NFFF by the
honored this year was higher than Congressional Fire Service Caucus,
in recent years; however, the number which included Congressman Bill
of line-of-duty deaths that occurred Pascrell, Jr., Chairman (D-NJ) and
in 2015 was actually lower. As a Congressman Steny Hoyer, Co-Chair
result of the new ruling that Public (D-MD). The service concluded
Safety Officer Benefits recognize with the unveiling of the memorial
deaths caused by illnesses from 9/11 plaques, listing the names of the
as line-of-duty, those who suffered 2015 fallen heroes and those who
died in previous years.
EDDM
The Annual National Firefighters
PAI D Memorial Weekend is intended to
help pay tribute to those lost in
U.S.POSTAGE the line of duty, while also helping
survivors in healing. Serving as the
ECRWSS official national tribute to America’s
PRSRT STD PORSeTsAiLdCeUnStiTOalMECRustomer fallen firefighters, this ceremony

The Catoctin Banner Newspaper • 515B East Main Street • Emmitsburg … Continued on page 16
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