From the 2016 Memorial Service
The 36th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will honor a firefighter who died in the line of duty from Connecticut. He is among the 75 firefighters who died in 2016 and 20 firefighters who died in previous years who will be remembered at the official national service at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland on Sunday, October 8, 2017.
Chief Driver James Joseph Butler, age 50, of the Derby Fire Department, died on February 7, 2016, shortly after returning to the station from an emergency call.
His name will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the Academy grounds. The national tribute is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Fire Administration.
Thousands are expected to attend the service, including families and friends of the fallen firefighters, members of Congress, Administration officials and other dignitaries. 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 country will participate in this national tribute.
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 go to weekend.firehero.org.