EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND—The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will host the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on May 3-4, 2025 in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year’s national tribute will honor 70 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2024 and 70 firefighters who died in previous years. The honorees will include the following Texas firefighters:

• Firefighter/Paramedic G. Wade Cannon, age 33, of the Flower Mound Fire Department, died on October 1, 2022, from complications of cancer.

• Lieutenant Charles Freeman II, age 40, of the Montgomery County Fire Department Emergency Services District #2, died on September 29, 2024, from complications of his response to a hazardous materials incident at a residential structure.

• Firefighter Marcelo "Ox" Garcia III, age 42, of the Houston Fire Department, died on November 6, 2024, of injuries he sustained in a wall collapse at a commercial structure fire.

• Assistant Chief Scott Glass, age 43, of Perryton Fire and EMS, died on October 20, 2024, from injuries he sustained when a hose coupling struck him during a residential structure fire.

• Safety Officer Dan Potts, age 74, of the City of Whitney Fire & Rescue, died on November 24, 2023, of a heart attack while responding to a residential structure fire.

• Chief Zebulin Earl "Zeb" Smith, age 40, of the Fritch Volunteer Fire Department, died on March 5, 2024, of a heart attack while fighting a structure fire.

Detailed information about each of the 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.

“Each of these 140 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others – a profound sacrifice that defines true heroism,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF. “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.”

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

·The National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service is on May 3 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 4 at 10:00 am ET and will be hosted by actor Jeremy Holm.

Fire service and government leaders are scheduled to address the thousands of attendees at the Memorial Service on Sunday, May 4. The NFFF will live stream both events on the NFFF’s website (firehero.org), YouTube channel, and Facebook page.

How Communities Can Participate

Those not attending Memorial Weekend in person can also pay tribute to this year’s honored firefighters. All can participate in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters (April 27- May 4) by lighting their homes, businesses, landmarks, or fire departments with red lights. Other ways to remember include Bells Across America, Sound the Sirens, and by signing a virtual Remembrance Banner.

In addition, the American flag will be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings on Sunday, May 4. The public is also encouraged to lower their American flags that day to recognize the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.