Teamwork Pays Off During Memorial Weekend

EMMITSBURG, Md. -- The campus of the National Fire Academy is returning to normal this week following the annual memorial service honoring fallen firefighters.

Coverage of 2010 National Firefighters Memorial Weekend

About 6,000 people turned out for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday.

Two wreaths -- one from President Barak Obama and the other from the Red Knights -- are positioned on either side of the monument.

Several roses remain at the plaque honoring the 2009 heroes. Some people left messages with flowers at other markers, and one bouquet contained a package of Resse's peanut butter cups.

Some of the families of fallen heroes stayed until Monday to visit various places in the Washington area while they were here.

There are a number of things that go on behind the scene months before they leave their communities to travel to Emmitsburg.

Planning sessions -- under the command of Raleigh Chief John McGrath -- begin in early spring. Leaders from each aspect of the service such as honor guards, bagpipes, escorts and transportation submit an incident action plan.

On the campus, USFA and FEMA workers as well as Omni employees are responsible for getting things ready. Ron Face, director, said Tuesday that things were getting back into place once again after the weekend visit.

Many people are involved to make sure the experience for the fallen hero's family and co-workers is positive.

When they arrive at the airport, the families are greeted by firefighters from Anne Arundel County.

Ian McGreevy said he and his personnel understand the importance of what they are doing.

"We are the first impression they have for the memorial weekend," McGreevy said. "We want that to be a very positive one."

BWI Airport personnel take the Anne Arundel firefighters to gates where they meet the families. "Since security measures have changed, we wouldn't be able to this without the BWI folks."

After collecting the luggage for the guests, the firefighters escort the families to a room where they can sit and relax for a little while. Refreshments are provided by the wives of honor guard members.

"We get to see returning survivors as well. It's like a reunion," he said, adding that it's been rewarding to participate.

Personnel from Maryland Fire Rescue Institute and the Maryland Fire Marshal's Office drive the vans that bring the families to the hotels in Frederick.

Amber Reamy, now in her third year, said she enjoys being part of it.

"I've heard so many great stories," she said. "Some people are anxious to share the stories about their firefighters."

Reamy, a volunteer firefighter/EMT with Brandywine Fire Department, said she was happy to get involved.

While many talk about the loved ones, others ask questions about the area like the distance to Washington, Baltimore or Gettysburg.

Reamy said she's learned to be a good listener. "People are in a different spot in the grieving process," she noted.

"It's just heartwarming for me to know that I was able to participate in this. It's an honor really. . ."

Andy Levy, a MFRI instructor who coordinates the transportation, said meeting the families is a wonderful experience.

"We are their first impression. We spend an hour with them on the way to Frederick. We're here to do what ever makes them comfortable," Levy said.

He also said he enjoys reuniting with families he transported through the years.

Some families, he said, make a connection and look for their drivers throughout the weekend.

Frank Brewer plays a number of roles. In addition to being a firefighter, he is fleet manager at Criswell Chevrolet in Gaithersburg.

His company donates a number of vehicles that are used to transport people to various functions.

Brewer said he also believes it's an honor to be involved, and meet the families. In addition to taking them to their hotels, he's arranged for and chauffeured people to various places such as the Inner Harbor, Washington or a fire station.

"It's always been a cooperative effort," he said. "People are more than willing to help out when I tell them that the families of fallen firefighters are involved. . ."

Once at the Frederick hotels, members of the Maryland Fire Chiefs unload and carry the luggage for the special guests.

On Thursday night, firefighters with IAFF Local 3666 picked up families for a dinner at the Junior Fire Company in Frederick.

"We had about 50-60 people. They were very interested in the history of firefighting in Frederick, and our company," said Charlie Abrect, past president of the fire company.

He said many took pictures of the antiques on display as well as the new equipment. Children were given fire prevention materials as well. "They seemed right at home in the fire house. We enjoyed having them. . ."

On Saturday night when they returned to their hotels after a long day in Emmitsburg including a candlelight vigil, the families and colleagues of the fallen heroes enjoyed refreshments.

"People got the chance to get something to eat and drink, and take a break from all the activities," said Bob Jacobs, who coordinated the reception for the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association.

NFFF Executive Director Ron Siarnicki said in a telephone interview Tuesday he believes it was a positive experience for everyone.

In an e-mail to the team Monday, Siarnicki said: "This past weekend was both charming and a true demonstration of our combined efforts to support the families of our nation’s fallen firefighters. . ."

Siarnicki added:"I must congratulate each of your for doing your part to contribute to the overall success of the weekend. The NFFF would not be able to accomplish all we do without you direct and deliberate support. . ."