Memorial Service Will Honor 2 Fallen W.Va. Firefighters

Two fallen West Virginia firefighters will be honored at an upcoming memorial service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Across the nation, more than 80 firefighters died in the line of duty in 2023. This included 28-year-old Cody Mullens and 75-year-old Ron Strosnider, who died in separate incidents last year.

To memorialize their legacies, and honorees nationwide, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will host a public candlelight service May 4 at 7:30 p.m., hosted by St. Louis City Fire Captain Garon Mosby.

Then, on May 5 at 10 a.m., the NFFF will host a full memorial service hosted by actor Jeremy Holm.

Both events will be held at the park, located at 16835 S. Seton Ave. in Emmitsburg. Additional programming will be offered specifically to the family members and colleagues of fallen firefighters.

The NFFF anticipates thousands of attendees at the weekend’s ceremonies, according to a Thursday press release.

“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.”

For more information on the firefighters being honored at this year’s ceremony, visit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s 2024 Roll of Honor.

To view live streams of the ceremonies, visit the national Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s website, YouTube channel or Facebook page.