Team Finalizing Plans for NFFF Memorial Weekend

SAVAGE, MD – They come from fire departments across the country, yet they operate as a team one weekend a year.

The incident plan for the National Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial weekend is completed, and branch commanders say they’re locked and loaded.

The team gathered for a final planning session Friday to share details.

Raleigh Chief John McGrath, the IC, said he was pleased with the work that’s been taking place over the past few months.

A lot of behind the scenes work goes into the production to make sure the weekend event is memorable for the families, friends and colleagues of the fallen heroes.

This year a plaque containing 107 names will be placed during the annual service on Sunday. They include 98 from 2013, and nine from previous years.

“Game week is a short period away, McGrath reminded the group. “…We’ve learned a lot of things over the previous years. I think we’re ready to go from what I’ve heard today…”

NFFF Executive Director Ron Siarnicki said a new event was added this year – a flag transfer event that started at the Capitol and ended at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Chapel in Emmitsburg.

Siarnicki said he appreciates the effort that went into creating the memorable ceremony. The flag was delivered by motorcade to the NFFF Chapel in Emmitsburg.

Along the route, firefighters and EMS personnel lined overpasses and along the road to salute. 

In addition to the national memorial service on Sunday morning, there's a candlelight vigil on Saturday evening. 

Families of the fallen heroes will have the opportunity to visit the chapel and the memorial as well as to share special time with others who've lost loved ones.