EMMITSBURG, MD -- Maxwell, TX Community Firefighter brothers Hunter Coco, 21, and Jonathan Coco, 25, were killed when their brush truck crashed while they were returning from a call.
Spokane Valley, WA Firefighter Dan Patterson returned to a fire station when he fell ill while running, collapsing in cardiac arrest at the door.
Cascade, MT Farmer Rancher Firefighter Kenneth M. Lemanski Jr. died of COVID-19.
They were among 144 receiving a final salute and accolades Sunday during the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.
Families arriving for the service at the National Fire Academy campus passed through the Sea of Blue as they made their way to their seats, escorted by firefighters.
They watched, snapped photos, wiped tears and shared hugs as the colors were presented and firefighters marched in accompanied by bagpipers and drummers.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said he was honored to recognize fallen heroes as well as their loved ones.
The names of 79 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2022 as well as 65 from previous years were added to a plaque at the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial.
Unlike other occupations, he noted that the work of a firefighter brings unknowns. It brings uncertainty and danger because no one knows when the call for help will come nor what is involved.
“One thing is constant – the qualities – courage, devotion to duty, service and sacrifice define the character of firefighters…” Mayorkas said.
He said not only do firefighters respond, but their families also are answering the call as well for allowing them to help serve their communities. “Thank you for your service.”
He spoke of the Administration’s commitment to assist firefighters with funds to increase staffing and purchase equipment.
Mayorkas also lauded National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Executive Director Ron Siarnicki for his dedication and contributions over the past 22 years.
Siarnicki announced recently he will retire at the end of the year.
Mayorkas said under the chief's leadership, the foundation has “shaped the fire service safety culture in the face of increasing risks and challenges.”
Sarah Parker called the service ‘beautiful and sad.’
As she held onto an American flag, she remembered her husband, Fairbury, NE Rural Fire District #8 Chris Parker, who died of COVID-19 complications.
As she recalled his last day, their daughter, Melodie, shot bubbles out of a toy fire truck, which brought smiles to many around her.
“He was at home. He was planning to go to work the next day. He started gasping for air and couldn’t breathe. I called an ambulance…He died of a blood clot.”
The service in Emmitsburg wasn’t her first.
In 2014, her father-in-law, Darrell Parker, died in the line of duty. She never imagined she’d return to see her husband's name on a plaque at the same memorial.
Seeing a familiar face, however, helped her and her daughters get through the myriad of emotions.
Shenandoah, VA Firefighter Roy Smith, who escorted her and her husband, was there again to guide and offer support.
“When I heard the name and department, I wondered. Then, I found out it was the same family. I prayed that I would have the honor of escorting them again. And, my prayers were answered,” Smith said.
He cherishes being able to help others as he was when his son, McGaheysville, VA Firefighter Roy Smith III, 17, was killed in a wreck responding to a call.
“I just want to give back…”
A fifth-generation firefighter, Kenneth M. Lemanski Jr., 37, loved serving his small Cascade, MT community, his parents, Cyndi and Kenneth, say.
After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Lemanski caught COVID-19 from a patient he and the chief of Cascade Farmer Ranch Fire Department assisted.
He died in a hospital 15 days after he was admitted for breathing issues. His chief, who also contracted the virus, recovered.
His mother recalled he and his sister, Rebecca, starting fires in their backyard and using various methods to extinguish them. “It was fun. We both loved playing firefighter.”
“I believe he was nine months old when we sat him in a fire truck for the first time,” his father said fondly. “And, that’s where it all started…”
Rebecca is a firefighter in Kirby, TX and also volunteers with China Grove Fire Department.
“He was an outstanding young man,” his dad said, adding that he appreciates the help and compassion others have shown.
The family visited the NFFF Memorial about 30 years ago, and a photo shows Lemanski with his son and daughter in front of the monument.
Gilt Edge, TN Fire Chief Brandon S. Fletcher said escorting the family of a fallen firefighter is a “humbling and rewarding experience.”
After watching the annual memorial service online, he said he knew he wanted to help. “Being a family escort is the most emotionally challenging position. But, I’m honored to have been selected…”
This year, he escorted the family of Georgetown, KY Battalion Chief Johnnie Jacobs.
“He had a rare lung disease, and he died a year after receiving a transplant,” Katie Jacobs, his wife, said.
“It’s amazing how they pull this (service) off. Johnnie would have been touched. He would have loved it.”
She and their children Isabella, 14, Hunter and Sadie, both 10, wore buttons with his picture.
Ryan Leif Erickson was on weather watch for the Blomkest, MN Fire Department when a gust blew a large silo over a building and onto his vehicle.
Daughters Jennifer Adkins and Tasha Hage were among family who traveled to Maryland for the service that they said was “beautiful, just beautiful.”
Gigi Lacayo, whose brother-in-law, Kenneth, was one of three killed in a Baltimore rowhouse fire, was nearly at a loss for words.
“We are so grateful for the support from everyone. The fire family in Baltimore keeps us in the loop, and we really appreciate it. The ceremony today was wonderful. All these families came here today for the same reason…”
Spokane Valley, WA Firefighter Patrick Erickson said of the service: “It was top notch, extremely well done…”
He traveled to honor a colleague, Firefighter Dan W. Patterson, who fell ill while jogging.
“He called his wife and told her he didn’t feel well and was going to head back to the station. She called 9-1-1. He collapsed outside the door.”
Patterson, he said, was dedicated and well-liked.
Yoakum, TX Firefighter William R. Wimberly Jr. loved being a volunteer.
On March 16, 2022, he died just hours after answering his final alarm.
“It was very good for the soul, very emotional,” his daughter Tammy Jaster said as she left the monument.
Her sister, Susie Wimberly-Keim, added: “It was healing…”
