National Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial Service Day

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial Service Day

WHEREAS, The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Day is a day to honor firefighters and emergency services personnel who have sacrificed their lives to save others; and

WHEREAS, an average of 80 firefighters courageously make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty each year; and

WHEREAS, it is essential to increase fire safety awareness to reduce fire-related deaths, injuries, and property losses; and

WHEREAS, firefighters and emergency services personnel play an essential role in the protection of lives and property in our Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial Weekend is an opportunity to remember all fire and emergency personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Commonwealth in 2025; and

WHEREAS, we honor the bravery, dedication, and enduring legacy of: Captain William Carter of the Newport News Fire Department; Firefighter Rodney Coles of the Richmond Fire Department; Firefighter/EMT Linzie Collins of Richlands Fire-Rescue; Firefighter Jeremy Compton of the City of Radford Fire Department; Firefighter TyVaughn Eldridge of Chesterfield Fire and Emergency Medical Services; Firefighter Andrew Jenks of the Lynchburg Fire Department; Captain Christopher Jones of Portsmouth Fire Rescue and Emergency Services; Assistant Fire Chief Mack Mays of the Monelison Volunteer Fire Department; Lieutenant Robert Talbott of Chesterfield Fire and EMS; and Firefighter Steve Weikle of the Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue Department, whose courage and commitment will never be forgotten; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 3, 2026, as NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS' MEMORIAL SERVICE DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.