EMMITSBURG, Md. — Nine fallen Ohio firefighters will be among the 140 honored during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland, from May 3-4.
The event is hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). It will recognize 70 firefighters who died last year in the line of duty and 70 from previous years.
“This weekend is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage and commitment of those who put their lives on the line to protect others,” said Troy Markel, Chair of the NFFF Board of Directors, in a press release. “We come together not only to remember the fallen, but to stand in solidarity with their families and departments, letting them know their loved ones will never be forgotten.”
The public events will take place at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park at the National Emergency Training Center, located at 16835 S. Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg.
The National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service will be at 7:30 p.m. on May 3, and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will be at 10 a.m. May 4.
“There are additional events during Memorial Weekend provided exclusively for the families and fire departments of honored firefighters,” the release reads. “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.”
Here are the nine Ohio firefighters being honored, according to the release:
- Firefighter/EMT Shawn P. Calvey, 37, of the Cleveland Fire Department — died July 30, 2024, from complications of cancer
- Assistant Chief Jarod F. Kammeyer, 48, of the Noble Township Fire Department — died Feb. 14, 2023, from complications of COVID-19
- Lt. Amanda Karduck, 42, of the Painesville City Fire Department — died June 26, 2024, from complications of cancer
- Assistant Fire Chief James Stephen Lamp, 62, of the Newport Volunteer Fire Department— died Jan. 14, 2022, from complications of COVID-19
- Firefighter/EMT William J. "B.J." McCale, 50, of the Vermilion Township Fire & Rescue Department — died June 10, 2023, after participating in fire department training
- Battalion Chief Richard D. Richardson, 57, of the Columbus Division of Fire — died Jan. 25, 2023, from complications of cancer
- Chief Daniel R. Ritchey, 60, of the Reno Volunteer Fire Department — died Oct. 18, 2021, from complications of COVID-19
- Lt. Alan Van Kramer, 55, of the Madison Fire Department — died Jan. 3, 2024, from complications of cancer
- Assistant Chief Gregory Alan Warner, 68, of the Porter Township Volunteer Fire Department — died Oct. 30, 2023, from complications of cancer
You can access the 2025 Roll of Honor here to learn more about all the firefighters set to be honored at the memorial.
“Each of these 140 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others – a profound sacrifice that defines true heroism,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF, in the release. “Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to come together to honor their bravery, to stand beside their families, and ensure their legacy lives on in every community they so selflessly served.”
If you cannot make it to the event but still wish to pay tribute, you can participate in the Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. From April 27 through May 4, you can light up your home or business in red lights.
The NFFF also highlights other ways including putting your signature and message on a virtual remembrance banner or participating in Bells Across America or Sound the Sirens.
“In addition, the American flag will be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings on Sunday, May 4,” the release reads. “The public is also encouraged to lower their American flags that day to recognize the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
