EMMITSBURG, MD. – The 30th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will honor eight Illinois 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.
Firefighter Corey D. Ankum, age 34, of the Chicago Fire Department died after becoming trapped in a collapse at a commercial structure fire on December 22, 2010.
Firefighter Brian C. Carey, age 28, of the Homewood Fire Department died after being overcome by rapid fire progress during search and rescue operations at a residential structure fire on March 30, 2010.
Firefighter Gary Lowell Cummins, age 61, of the Brocton Fire Protection District died after suffering a heart attack within 24 hours of responding to a reported structure fire on October 31, 2010.
Lieutenant Frank William Fouts V, age 37, of the City of Kankakee Fire Department died on July 1, 2010 after suffering a heart attack within 24 hours of responding to multiple calls on June 30, 2010.
Assistant Chief Thomas Dale Innes, age 61, of the Hindsboro Community Fire Protection District died after collapsing within 24 hours of responding to an EMS call on October 3, 2010.
Deputy Chief Mark P. Johnson, age 55, of the Hinsdale Fire Department died after he collapsed while conducting fire department training after responding to a medical emergency on September 20, 2010.
Firefighter Edward J. Stringer, Sr., age 47, of the Chicago Fire Department died after becoming trapped in a collapse at a commercial structure fire on December 22, 2010.
Firefighter/Paramedic Christopher D. Wheatley, age 31, of the Chicago Fire Department died after falling approximately 35 feet from a ladder while working at a commercial structure fire on August 9, 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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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.