In Virginia, over 80 firefighters have paid the ultimate sacrifice. During the past year four Virginia firefighters have lost their lives. Virginia's Bravest were honored in a special ceremony on June 4.
The bagpipes played a haunting melody, lifting and soothing the hearts of the firefighters who lost dear friends, comrades, brothers in uniform. The Virginia Fallen Firefighter Service commenced at noon on Saturday, June 4 at the Richmond Raceway Complex with the sounding of a siren. Firefighters from Virginia departments joined together to remember and show respect to the fallen.
"This is the worst year on record for firefighter injuries and deaths," said William B. Killen, CFO, First Vice President of International Association of Fire Chiefs. "Every shift, every platoon will be even more diligent in checking equipment and apparatus. We hope and we will strive to eliminate injuries and deaths. The public at large must be our partners, eliminating all the causes, making places such as their homes and playgrounds safer."
The major injuries, Killen continued, happen responding to and returning from calls. "I challenge each of you to help effect the reduction of firefighter injuries and deaths. Eliminate as many risks as we can."
Chesterfield Fire and EMS sent an engine and crew from Station 4. They represented one of their own, Firefighter Bradley McNeer, who died in the line of duty December 18, 1999.
McNeer was the first Chesterfield firefighter to die in the line of duty. He was killed in a vehicle accident while responding to a call to do what he did best, serve the public.
Petersburg firefighters attended. On March 19, 1982, a Petersburg firefighter, Mike Goff was killed while battling a fire at the Mercantile at Sycamore and Franklin. Petersburg firefighters were in a high risk, extreme danger situation, where a natural gas explosions was possible.
Firefighters were fully engaged in battling the building inferno when an explosion did occur and the building collapsed, trapping Goff beneath the rubble. Petersburg's Bravest Mike Goff did not survive. But in the hearts of those who knew and loved him for the selfless service he gave, paying the highest price a person can pay, his memory will was honored Saturday by the presence of his brother and sister firefighters.
Namozine Volunteer Fire Department of Dinwiddie County, attended as a company, mourning the recent loss of firefighter Robert Erb. Erb's contributions not only touched Namozine, but also Petersburg and Colonial Heights Fire and EMS Departments where Erb also served. Erb's father, Ronnie is currently District Chief of Namozine. Namozine Volunteer Fire Department took part in the service. Their ladder truck was used to support the honor flag. Clarke Fire Department supported the other side.
Along with firefighter Robert Erb, also honored were Firefighter Jean Nuckols of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services and Whaleyville Volunteer Fire Department; Captain Steven Rosenfeld of Salem Volunteer Fire Department; Firefighter Arnold Stoneman of Norfolk Fire-Rescue.
Speakers from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs hosted the service. Bagpipers were Mike McCann of the Virginia State Police and Jim Livingstone of the Henrico Police Department. St. Bridget's School Intermediate Choir performed "American Tears" by Teresa Jennings. Jerry Reed, Master Firefighter/Paramedic played taps. The Virginia Public Safety Department performed the tolling of the bells.
