Madisonville, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in observance of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day.

“Every day these courageous men and women put their lives on the line to protect the safety of our citizens,” said Gov. Beshear. “Fire service professionals are in constant danger as they are many times the first responders to natural and manmade emergencies. It is important to honor and remember those firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”

Sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security, the 28th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will be held on Oct. 2 – 4, 2009 in Emmitsburg, MD.

The official national tribute will take place at the National Fire Academy on Oct. 4, 2009. A plaque with the names of 103 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2008 will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Nineteen firefighters who died in previous years will also be honored. This ceremony marks the beginning of National Fire Prevention Week designated by President Obama to focus national attention on the destruction of property and loss of life caused by fire.

Among the 98 men and five women from 36 states honored at this year’s memorial service, a Kentucky firefighter will be remembered. Assistant Fire Chief/EMS Director Christa Burchett, 33, of the Paintsville Fire-Rescue-EMS died after being struck by a dump truck at the scene of an accident on Jan. 22, 2008.

In honor of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day, Gov. Beshear has ordered flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Oct. 4, 2009.

Flag status information is available at www.governor.ky.gov.

More information on the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Weekend is available at http://weekend.firehero.org/

The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers. For more information on the Foundation and its programs contact us at 301-447-1365 or visit www.FireHero.org. 
 

Information provided to iSurf by the Kentucky Governors Office.