EMMITSBURG, MD -- This time last week, families and colleagues of fallen firefighters were making their way here for a weekend of activities to honor their loved ones for giving the ultimate sacrifice.
When their planes touched down at area airports, firefighters were there not only to greet them and pick up their luggage, but provided a space and snacks while they waited for vans to take them to a hotel in Gettysburg, PA.
What those attending the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service likely didn't know is that the majority of those they would encounter thoughout the weekend were volunteers, including many who had been on the same journey.
They understand first hand the myriad of emotions, the anticipation, the angst.
After families checked in, Jo Ann Tilton handed them a luminaire bag with their loved one's photo on it. "We'd like you to decorate it. We have many stickers to chose from so you can select things that your firefighter enjoyed doing. Tonight, they will be lighted at the candlelight vigil."
Tilton's husband, Gary, the fire chief of Katy, TX Fire Department, died 20 years ago of a heart attack after an incident.
The 31-year fire service veteran had worked his way up through the ranks to lead the department, his lifelong dream, Tilton said with a smile.
When she learned that the fire service didn't recognize firefighters like her husband who die after incidents, she was on a mission to change that. It would take years and countless trips to the nation's capital but she accomplished it.
"Hal Bruno was my hero. When the Hometown Heroes Act was signed, all the cases where people had been denied benefits had to be re-processed. We never felt so happy."
Tilton didn't stop there. She returns annually to lend a hand, a shoulder and an ear to new families.
Joining her on the luminaire detail was Joyce Zadorozny. who lost her husband, Richard, in 2016.
The chief engineer at Eatontown Volunteer Fire Department suffered a fatal heart attack after a response.
"I do whatever they want me to," she said.
The volunteers say they want to ensure the experience for the families is perfect. There's no other option.
Janice Butler, who helped people find the appropriate stickers to personalize their bags, said she notices profound unspoken appreciation.
She donates her time in honor of her brother, James 'JB' Butler, the chief driver of Derby, CT Fire Department, who died after an incident in 2016.
Janice added that weekly meetings with others who've lost loved ones has helped her. And, she's there for people who also are suffering losses.
"Coming here is a time of sadness, but also peaceful."
Susan Nicol | News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
