The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will host its 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on May 3-4, 2025, in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to honor and remember 140 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice.
This year’s solemn tribute will recognize 70 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2024 and an additional 70 firefighters who passed away in previous years.
Among those being honored are five brave firefighters from Florida:
- Lieutenant Andy Eyster, 51, of the Melbourne Fire Department, died on May 10, 2024, from complications of cancer.
- Lieutenant Joseph J. Geld, 65, of the Melbourne Fire Department, died on December 23, 2023, from complications of cancer.
- Firefighter/Paramedic James Nathan Leonard, 43, of the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department, died on January 12, 2022, from complications of cancer.
- Engineer Heath Joseph O’Shea, 44, of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, died on April 13, 2024, from an aortic aneurysm.
- Firefighter/EMT Jason C. Tucker, 53, of Pasco County Fire Rescue, died on April 23, 2023, from complications of cancer.
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Detailed information about all 226 firefighters being memorialized can be found on the 2025 Roll of Honor.
“This weekend is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage and commitment of those who put their lives on the line to protect others,” said Troy Markel, Chair of the NFFF Board of Directors. “We come together not only to remember the fallen, but to stand in solidarity with their families and departments, letting them know their loved ones will never be forgotten.”
Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Each of these 140 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others – a profound sacrifice that defines true heroism. Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to come together to honor their bravery, to stand beside their families, and ensure their legacy lives on in every community they so selflessly served.”
Two public events will take place at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park on the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) during the weekend:
- The National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service on Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 pm ET, hosted by Fire Captain Garon Mosby of the St. Louis Fire Department.
- The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, May 4 at 10:00 am ET, hosted by actor Jeremy Holm.
Fire service and government leaders are expected to address the thousands of attendees at the Memorial Service on Sunday. For those unable to attend in person, both events will be live-streamed on the NFFF’s website (firehero.org), YouTube channel, and Facebook page.
In addition to the public events, the NFFF will also host private events for the families and fire departments of the honored firefighters throughout Friday and Saturday, providing support and opportunities for remembrance.
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