IAFF Remembers 122 at Fallen Fire Fighter Observance
Photo by Bob
Falcone, Pueblo, CO Local 3
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, 2006 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 hallowed
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.