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Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters
Monday, September 28, 2020 — Des Moines, Iowa — On October 3, 2020, the Des Moines Fire Department will join fire departments, state and local governments, businesses and homeowners across the country in honoring fallen firefighters and their families. At approximately 7:29 p.m. on Oct. 3, the Des Moines Fire Department will observe a moment of silence honoring the lives of 82 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2019.
Every October, a grateful Nation honors its fallen fire service heroes at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park, located on the campus of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year's Memorial Weekend was scheduled for Oct. 3-4, 2020, but due to the global pandemic, it has been decided to hold a virtual service on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, until the families of the fallen can gather safely in Emmitsburg.
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is the official national tribute to those firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Last year, buildings such as One World Trade Center in New York, the Transamerica Pyramid Center in San Francisco and the Financial Center here in Des Moines, as well as multitudes of fire stations and private homes were illuminated in red light, acknowledging those who paid the ultimate price while protecting their fellow citizens.
Approximately 80% of America's firefighters are volunteers. In Iowa, that number is close to 90%, meaning that all too often those lost are truly our next-door neighbors. You are invited to join us in participating with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation by illuminating your home or business in red light and/or joining us in a moment of silence at 7:29 p.m. on Oct. 3, 2020, paying homage to those who have given their very lives in service to their communities.
Lt. Chris Clement
Public Information Officer, Des Moines Fire Department
ceclement@dmgov.org