Today’s Star Spangled Salute honors 2 Kansas Firefighters and 142 others who will be honored this weekend at the 42nd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, in Emmitsburg, Maryland.  This year’s national tribute will honor 79 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2022 and 65 firefighters who died in previous years. Each firefighter’s name will be inscribed on a bronze plaque and become a permanent part of the National Memorial in honor of their sacrifices. The honorees will include the following Kansas firefighters: Air Force Veteran Assistant Chief Michael Baker, age 52, of the 190th Air Refueling Wing Fire & Emergency Services, died on 09/21/2021 due to complications of COVID-19 and Firefighter Joshua Haynes, age 35, of the Linn County Rural Fire District #1, responded to a structure fire on 6/20/22. He collapsed while fighting the fire and was airlifted to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where he died on 6/22/22 from injuries sustained in the fire. Here in Kansas you can remember these firefighters and participate in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters between now and Sunday, by lighting your homes, businesses, landmarks, or fire departments with red lights. Other ways to remember these firefighters include Bells Across America, Sound the Sirens, and by signing the virtual Remembrance Banner. 

In addition, the American flag will be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings on Sunday, May 7. To the 144 firefighters being rememered this weekend, THANK YOU for your service.

EVENTS:

There are two events open to the public at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park on the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center during Memorial Weekend.

• The National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service is on May 6 at 7:30 pm ET and will be hosted by Fire Captain Garon Mosby of the St. Louis Fire Department.
• The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is on May 7 at 10:00 am ET and will be hosted by journalist Hillary Howard.

There are also events during Memorial Weekend provided exclusively for the families and fire departments of honored firefighters. These include small group sessions and other activities throughout Friday and Saturday; they are open to the families and coworkers of newly honored and previously honored firefighters. The weekend is a time for sharing, healing, and commemorating each firefighter’s commitment to public duty.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas is scheduled to address the thousands of attendees at the Memorial Service on Sunday, May 7. At the Memorial Service, the NFFF presents each family with an American flag that has flown over the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and the U.S. Capitol, a badge, and a rose.

The NFFF will live stream both events on the NFFF’s website (firehero.org), YouTube channel, and Facebook page.