Seattle is set to hold a tribute honoring the service and sacrifice of fallen firefighters this week. On Friday, Oct. 4, the Seattle Fire Department will host the annual Seattle Fallen Firefighter Memorial from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in Occidental Park. The tribute will remember the 55 firefighters who have lost their lives while serving the community since 1891.
The ceremony is expected to start with the presentation of colors by the Walter Kilgore Memorial Honor Guard, followed by the Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums band. City leaders and representatives from the fire department will step up to the microphone to offer words of remembrance and honor. Among the speakers confirmed are Seattle Fire Chief Harold D. Scoggins, along with union leaders such as Lt. Kenny Stuart, and Battalion Chief Dan Murray, speaking for those who without their presence, stations that are on an emergency response may not be able to participate in the evening's visual tribute.
The event isn't solely a daytime affair. Later in the evening, between 8 and 8:15 p.m., Seattle Fire stations will participate in "Light the Night." During this time, they will pull apparatus out front of each station with their red lights flashing in a solemn nod to their fallen comrades. The community may see a deviation in participation; as noted in the Fireline Seattle announcement, "Stations that are on an emergency response may not be in quarters to participate."
The public has been invited to offer their support and share in the observance. Seattle residents can do so by either visiting their neighborhood fire station during the evening remembrance or simply changing an exterior light with a red bulb for the evening. Visiting their neighborhood stations, the public information officer for the Seattle Fire Department has offered to recommend fire stations that would be hosting several apparatuses.
For members of the media interested in covering these events, an RSVP is necessary. They should send an email intending to attend to [email protected]. With the community's involvement, Seattle Fire hopes to foster a sense of gratitude and reverence toward the individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their city's safety.
