Tractor-drawn aerial ladders, brush trucks, jeeps, engines and quints. They were red, yellow, light green, white and other various combinations of colors, all lined up in a stately fashion. Flags billowed in the breeze and firefighters dressed in their finest crisp, clean uniforms dotted the scene. Badges reflected in the sun and the strip of black across the badges stood out in sharp contrast. Members of the fire service along with families and friends had joined together to honor Virginia's Fallen Firefighters.
"This service is very humbling," Virginia Governor Tim Kaine solemnly said, "life is very short, we are reminded of that today. One thing I have seen is that it doesn't matter if a firefighter serves in a small community or big bustling city, they all serve the same. Today, we remember their dedication and the ultimate sacrifice they have made for us."
The fire service community was honoring John Paul "JP" Memory II of Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department and Jerry Wayne Hall of Richmond Fire and Emergency Services.
John "JP" Memory II died in the Line of Duty on September 16, 2006. He was raised in Isle of Wight County (VA) and graduated from Smithfield High School in 2006. JP as he known, was 19 years old at the time of his death but officials say he was already proving his dedication to serving when for three years in a row, he was one of the most active members of Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department.
Officials said the passion for the work was in him. In 2004, JP received the Chief's Award, an award that recognizes leaders within the fire department. In 2005, JP received a high honor when was named Firefighter of the Year. JP's goal was to become a career firefighter and he was scheduled to enter the Southside Regional Fire Academy in Portsmouth on October 2006.
Jerry Wayne Hall died in the Line of Duty on January 6, 2006. Hall joined the City of Richmond Fire Department in 1970 and served for over three decades. Jerry Hall had quite a reputation for his cooking skills. The seasoned firefighter strongly supported MDA's "Fill the Boot" campaigns and with his efforts Company 23A came in as top collectors for contributions in 2005 for Richmond Fire. He was very involved with his church and continously helped children. He was especially known for his Christmas projects of finding children who didn't have bikes and helping make sure "Santa" left one under their tree. Being in his sixties, Jerry would be asked, "When are you going to retire?" A grin would spread across his face and he would reply, "I love what I do, when it becomes a job, then I will retire."
Bagpipes were by St. Andrews Legion. Presentation of Colors was by Virginia Public Safety Honor Guard. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by W.G. "Billy" Shelton Jr., Executive Director of Virginia Department of Fire Programs. The National Anthem was by Shauna Anton and Kristin Gainous-Anderson. The Invocation was by Chaplain Rick Jenkins Henrico County Division of Fire. Song "Angels in America" was sung by Susan Greenbaum. A prayer was offered by Pastor Pete Hypes of Chesterfield Fire and EMS.
Introduction of Governor Timothy Kaine was by Secretary of Public Safety, The Honorable John Marshall. The Poem "United Firefighters of America" reading by Christopher M. Hutchison. The flag presentations, tolling of the bells the 5-5-5, Echo Taps by Jerry Reed, Master Firefighter/Medic, Newport News Fire Department and Ted O. Ambrose, Lieutenant, Chesapeake Fire Department. The benediction was by Chaplain Rick Jenkins. Retiring of the colors was by Virginia Public Safety Honor Guard.
A reception followed. The ceremony is hosted by The Virginia Department of Fire Programs, and the reception was hosted by Virginia Professional Firefighters Association.
