The 34th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will honor two firefighters who died in the line of duty from West Virginia. They are among the 84 firefighters who died in 2014 and three firefighters who died in previous years who will be remembered at the official national service at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland on Sunday, October 4.
Firefighter Michael Dale “Mikey” Garrett, age 28, of the Nutter Fort Fire Department, died from injuries sustained while trying to rescue two utility workers, who also died, after a cell phone tower collapse on February 1, 2014.
Chief George D. Underwood, age 63, of the Lake Volunteer Fire Department, died after collapsing while attempting to clear a blocked culvert to relieve residential flooding on April 3, 2014.
Their names will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the Academy grounds. The national tribute is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Fire Administration.
Thousands are expected to attend the service, including families and friends of the fallen firefighters, members of Congress, Administration officials and other dignitaries. Families will receive flags flown over the U. S. Capitol and the National Memorial. Members of the fire service, honor guard units and pipe and drum units from across the country will participate in this national tribute.
For a complete list of fallen firefighters being honored and a widget to display their information on your website, along with Memorial Weekend related videos, photos, media and broadcast information go to www.firehero.org.
