Public invited to Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service on June 1

Photo byVDFP

A public memorial service for Virginia’s fallen firefighters and EMS will be held on June 1 at noon in the Main Exhibition Hall at the Richmond Raceway Complex.

The event “honors the fallen who have been recognized in the Virginia Line of Duty Act for their bravery and dedication to the citizens of the Commonwealth” and aims to give closure to the families, a video from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) explains.

“When the family comes, we do what’s called “Sea of Blue” where we will line up allow the family to walk through,” firefighter medic Carlton Durham, Sr. of Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue also explained.

Each family also receives a Virginia flag that was flown over the Capitol, a certificate certifying that the flag was flown over the Capitol, and a white rose.

The 2024 honorees are :

• Larry W. Akers Longshop McCoy Fire and Rescue
• James M. Alexander, Jr. Hanover Fire-EMs
• James E. Brewster D.A.D Volunteer Fire Department
• Ernest N. Cash Monelison Volunteer Fire Department
• Matthew R. Chiaverotti Virginia Beach Fire Department
• Cameron B. Craig Abingdon Fire Department
• Mia Ethridge Louisa County Fire and EMS
• James A. Foster Rice Volunteer Fire Department
• Brian R. Hricik Alexandria Fire Department
• Helen “Gracey” Humbert Botetourt County Fire and EMS
• Chester T. Lauck Frederick County Fire and Rescue
• William A. McFarland Richmond Fire Department
• Gregory C. Meinel Vinton First Aid Crew
• Rory C. Swanson Lower King and Queen Fire-EMS
• Alicia A. Monahan Chesterfield County Fire and EMS
• Stephen D. WhitsonHenrico County Division of Fire
• Rocky S. Wood Virginia Department of Forestry

The memorial service will incliude a keynote address, a Virginia Fire Services Honor Guard procession, a musical performance, and a fire and EMS apparatus display from departments throughout the Commonwealth.

Emergency response personnel, government officials, and public safety members will gather to celebrate the courage and dedication of each honoree. The public is invited, and VDFP notes that it’s important to have participation from across the Commonwealth.

For those who cannot attend in person, the Virginia Fallen Firefighters and EMS Memorial Service will also be streamed live on VDFP’s social media and website at www.vafire.com.

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