EMMITSBURG, MD — Two fallen West Virginia firefighters will be honored this weekend in ceremonies in Maryland as a part of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will host the 43rd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend Saturday night and Sunday morning in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Eighty-nine firefighters died in the line of duty in 2023 and 137 firefighters 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.”
The following West Virginia firefighters will be honored:
Forester/Wildland Firefighter Cody Mullens, 28, of the West Virginia Division of Forestry. Jones was fighting a wildland fire in Fayette County on April 13, 2023 when a tree fell and killed him.
Firefighter Ronald “Ron” Strosnider, 75, of the Capon Valley Volunteer Fire Department in Wardensville. Strosnider was responding to an emergency medical call at a residence on October 20, 2023 when he became ill at the scene. He went into cardiac arrest while being transported to a hospital. Strosnider’s cause of death was determined to be sinus bradycardia.
Each firefighter will have their name inscribed on a bronze plaque to give them a permanent place in the National Memorial. More information about the 226 firefighters being memorialized can be found on the 2024 Roll of Honor.
The National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday and will be hosted by Fire Captain Garon Mosby of the St. Louis Fire Department.
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is Sunday at 10 a.m. and will be hosted by actor Jeremy Holm. Thousands of attendees are expected at Sunday’s Memorial Service.
The NFFF will live stream both events on the NFFF’s website, firehero.org, and on their YouTube channel and Facebook page.