The flag outside the Vandenbroek town hall flies at half-staff Dec. 29, 2021, in honor of Vandenbroek-Kaukauna firefighter Stephen Smith. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Three Northeast Wisconsin fallen firefighters will be honored at the 43rd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Maryland.
This year’s national tribute on May 4-5 in Emmitsburg, Maryland will honor 89 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2023 and 137 firefighters who died in previous years.
“National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to pause and reflect on the heroic efforts and selfless service of the fallen firefighters we are paying tribute to this year,” said NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro. “We will always remember the bravery, commitment, and sacrifices of each of these 226 heroes—and their families.”
Four of those are from Wisconsin:
- Fire Chief Raymond “Ray” Samson, age 55, of the Dale Fire and Rescue, died 01/22/2022 due to the complications of COVID-19
- Firefighter Frank Sanchez Jr., age 61, of the Nekimi Volunteer Fire Department, died on 5/26/2021 due to complications of COVID-19.
- Fire Chief Stephen Smith, age 54, of the Vandenbroek-Kaukauna Fire Department, died on 12/20/2021 due to complications of COVID-19.
- Captain Todd Yandre, age 61, of the Lake Mill Fire Department, attended live evolution fire training at the fire station on 2/14/2023 and 2/15/2023. During the evening of 2/15/2023 while at the gym, he collapsed and was pronounced dead due to a heart attack
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 4 at 7:30 p.m. 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 5 at 10 a.m. 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 5. The NFFF will live stream both events on the NFFF’s website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page.
There are additional events during Memorial Weekend provided exclusively for the families and fire departments of honored firefighters. These include small group sessions and other activities throughout Friday and Saturday; they are open to the families and coworkers of newly honored and previously honored firefighters.
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