The 17th Annual Virginia Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Richmond International Raceway Complex’s Main Exhibition Hall. Firefighters who died in the line of duty or have been recognized by the Virginia Line of Duty Act in the last year will be honored for their bravery and dedicated public service. This year’s service will pay tribute to Joshua Smith of LaCrosse Volunteer Fire Department, Joe Perkins of Danville Fire Department, Frederick Broyles of Newport News Fire Department, and Claire Ducker of Fairfax County Fire Department.

In addition to honoring recently fallen firefighters, the memorial service will honor the memory of all Virginia firefighters who have given their lives in the service of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This year’s service will include a keynote address, a Virginia Fire Services Honor Guard procession featuring the Saint Andrew’s Legion Pipes and Drums, a musical performance, and a fire apparatus display from fire departments across the state. State flags will be presented to the families of the fallen firefighters.

Additionally, the service will be broadcast live over the internet.

A reception, sponsored by the Virginia Fire Chief’s Association, Virginia State Firefighters Association, Virginia Professional Firefighters, and Southwest Virginia Firefighters Association, will be held for fallen firefighter family members and guests immediately following the service. Both the service and the reception are open to the public. For more information on the Virginia Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, contact Mark L. Buff at (804) 249.1965 or visit www.vafire.com.

If your department is interested in sending apparatus to the service, please contact Bill Jones at bjfirepro@aol.com.

Individuals or departments interested in Honor Guard participation should contact Ron Quesenberry at Ron.Quesenberry@jamescitycountyva.gov

Please make your plans to attend this important event and pay tribute to these heroes.

Download the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service Flyer