Thanks to our Executive Board, I had the distinct honor of attending the IAFF 2012 Firefighter Memorial and representing Local 51 in Colorado Springs this year. It (as always) was a sobering and humble experience. 154 names were added to the memorial wall. 154 of our brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives to save others. The memorial was preceded by a procession of hundreds of firefighters on motorcycle and an array of apparatus that left all who attended in awe. Pipe and drum corps and Honor Guards from around the U.S. and Canada marched together in one accord, providing honor and respect to the fallen and their families.It was a spectacular display of the brotherhood we all share in. I can’t begin to express adequately of how proud and impressed I am of the IAFF in taking care of the families who came to honor their loved ones. Colorado Springs F.D. (Local 5) provided shuttle service, food, lodging, and a myriad of other services to families who lost a loved one this past year in the line of duty. The pictures I have taken only show a small part of what the memorial is all about. I would encourage all firefighters to attend this memorial at least one time in their career to witness the strength and unity of a brotherhood dedicated to protecting and saving the lives of civilians and devoted to each other and the resolve of the fire service.
I would like to thank each of you as you continue to serve in the greatest profession on earth.May God bless and protect each of you and your families.
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