U.S. Senator Susan Collins today announced that she has introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution to honor America’s fallen firefighters. The Fallen Firefighter Resolution would mandate that all United States flags at all Federal facilities be lowered to half-staff on the day of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
“All Americans know of the selfless sacrifice that America’s firefighters provide,” said Senator Collins. “What is unfortunate is that America does very little in honoring the sacrifices of these fine men and women. I am pleased to introduce this resolution in the spirit of honoring America’s bravest who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.”
At present over 1.1 million men and women comprise the fire service in the United States, answering over 22.5 million emergency calls each year. They respond not only to fires, but dangerous material spills, natural disasters, transportation accidents, and acts of terrorism. Each year, approximately 100 firefighters fall in the line of service.
“Congress has worked tirelessly to ensure that first responders, including fire service personnel, have all the equipment they need to perform their dangerous role as safely as possible,” noted Senator Collins. “I have the most utmost respect for America’s fire fighters. I strongly believe that my colleagues in the Senate share my feelings, and will support this resolution.”
In 1981, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial was built on the campus of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Each October since 1982, the National Firefighter Memorial Service is held at the Memorial. This year’s service will be held on Sunday, October, 7th.
Senator Collins’ resolution has been cosponsored by Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE), Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Senator Thomas Carper (D-DE), and Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT).
In 2006, 106 firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty.
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