The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has spotlighted a gathering at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs that honored 211 firefighters and emergency medical workers who died in the line of duty.
This year’s IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Ceremony recognized those who died in the line of duty in 2024, along with members from previous years whose deaths were only recently recognized as occupational.
The memorial pays tribute to all line-of-duty deaths, including those who died on-scene and those lost to occupational illnesses.
General President Edward Kelly shared: “When we were children, our parents taught us, if you are ever in trouble look for the helpers.
“We are the ones who answer every call no matter the hour, no matter the danger.
“We don’t ask who is inside or whether it’s easy or hard. When the call comes in and the bell sounds, we go. Because that is what it means to be a firefighter.”
According to the IAFF, for many, the ceremony is deeply personal.
Mollie McCammon, wife of Harrison, AR Local 2995’s Jim McCammon shared: “My husband Jim is being added to the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial tomorrow.
“I have several friends and family with me. It’s just been really sweet to be here. A hard thing, but a sweet thing.” Each name etched on the wall represents a life filled with purpose.
Colorado Springs, CO Local 5 President Curt Crumb added: “They ran toward danger when others ran away, putting safety of community above their own day in and day out.”
IAFF members traveled from near and far to offer support.
Ottawa, ON Local 162’s Andrew Ellis shared: “We just wanted be here to honor those members that we lost and be here to support their families and provide them with home comfort, home cooking.”
Each year, Local 5 provides shuttles, information, hospitality and heartfelt assistance to every family and guest in need.
IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Coordinator and Local 5’s Mike Smaldino commented: “We get a chance to meet new families, new firefighters that come into town, but we also get a chance to reconnect with the ones that have been here before.
“We get a chance to have those families return and actually help us out.”
Families like Kristen Pascall, the wife of late San Miguel, CA Local 1434’s Rick Pascall.
Kristen explained: “In 2011, I placed my husband Rick on the wall and they did so much for me here in Colorado Springs.
“I swore if I could come back and do a little bit of anything for anyone else, any time that I came, then that’s what I wanted to do and this is my 14th year.”
9th District Vice President Mark Frainier concluded: “The families of the fallen, thank you for joining and remembering your loved ones. We want you to know this is your memorial and always will be.”
The IAFF has spotlighted a gathering at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs that honored 211 firefighters and emergency medical workers who died in the line of duty.
