City of Raleigh, NC
03/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/06/2026 11:02
Raleigh Fire Honors Fallen Firefighters with Ceremonies
The Raleigh Fire Department is continuing to honor its fallen firefighters with memorial ceremonies that will take place on or around the day of the firefighter's passing. The next ceremony will honor Driver Vernon Smith and is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10. The ceremony for Lt. Brent Upton is scheduled for Friday, March 20.
The ceremonies are part of a department tradition to formally recognize and remember Raleigh firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The events include wreath laying, a bell ceremony, and remarks honoring the firefighter. Family members, retirees, and members of the department, along with the public, are invited to attend.
Ceremonies to Honor Smith and Upton Coming Up
The memorial for Driver Smith is scheduled for March 10, at 11 a.m. at the Keeter Training Center. Smith died at Rex Hospital, succumbing to injuries occurred on Nov. 14, 1952, while operating Engine 6.
The event for Lt. Upton will be held on Friday, March 20, at 11 a.m. at Keeter. Upton passed away on March 17, 2021, after a fight with occupational cancer.
City of Raleigh, NC published this content on March 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 06, 2026 at 17:02 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]