IAFF Remembers 122 at Fallen Fire Fighter Observance

Photo by Bob Falcone, Pueblo, CO Local 3

September 20, 2006 – IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, General Secretary-Treasurer Vincent Bollon, fire fighters and family and friends gathered at the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colorado, September 16 to pay tribute to 122 fallen brothers and sisters. The 20th Annual IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial honored IAFF members who died in the line of duty between June 2005 and June 2006, as well as fire fighters who died earlier but whose deaths were reported during this time period – including those under the new Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) rules.

“For the IAFF, this memorial is truly sacred, a hollowed place where the spirits of our members mingle with the great spirit of these high plains,” said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, speaking during the ceremony. “Our tribute stands on this majestic ground as testimony to the courage and sacrifice of so many.

“It remains, year after year, the source of strength, judgment and reflection for the 275,000 who call this union their home,” continued General President Schaitberger.

Photo by Bob Falcone, Pueblo, CO Local 3

Hundreds gathered as Schaitberger and Bollon laid the wreath in memory of the fallen. As tradition dictates, pipes and drums were played and a final bell was sounded for each of the names newly etched into the memorial wall. Families were also given an IAFF memorial flag in remembrance of their loved one’s sacrifice.

The mission of the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial is to honor the sacrifice made by professional fire fighters and paramedics who have given their lives in the line of duty. The organization also provides assistance to surviving families and serves as a public reminder of the risks fire fighters face every day.