In what members call a “labor of love,” Colorado Springs, CO Local 5 members go above and beyond to support network for families during the memorial weekend. “We have families that arrive as early as Tuesday, and we have 35 vehicles moving people around town,” said IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Coordinator and Local 5 Executive Board Member Mike Smaldino. “Our goal is that when a family member gets to Colorado Springs, they have a Local 5 member with them.”
The Local sets up operations to help families starting Monday of the week of the memorial. They handle everything from scheduling pickups at Colorado Springs Airport to transporting families across the city for shopping, food, and sightseeing. It’s a 24/7 operation during the memorial weekend, with all hands-on deck from 250 Local 5 members, families, and volunteers.
Our goal is that when a family member gets to Colorado Springs, they have a Local 5 member with them.
Mike smaldino, fallen fire fighter memorial coordinator
“Our brothers and sisters at Local 5 are the caretakers – 365 days a year – of this sacred memorial,” said 9th District Vice President Mike Frainier. “We have been able to treat the families of the men and women honored here with empathy and compassion as their extended fire family.”
The “war room” is a space inside the Antlers Hotel where Local 5 manages dispatch operations and checks in volunteers driving families during the memorial weekend. Calls from families are routed to drivers to assist with transportation.
In a makeshift “tent city” near the memorial, dozens of tents provide shelter, food, and relaxation for the Honor Guard, Pipes and Drums members during practice, and for family members of the fallen. “Events like this really show the brotherhood and sisterhood of the IAFF,” said Tim Edwards, president of CAL FIRE 2881. “It’s important for us to come together and support the families of our fallen.”
The event also had some four-legged volunteers – therapy dogs from Go Team Therapy, which has volunteered at the memorial since 2012. Teams were set up at various events and locations to support families and members. “We know they help a lot, and we’re very thankful the IAFF let us come to be a part of this,” said volunteer Lori Schlonski.
We know they help a lot, and we’re very thankful the IAFF let us come to be a part of this.
Lori schlonski, go team therapy dogs
Debbie Griffin, a Go Team Therapy Dogs member, shared her recent loss and explained the significance of this event.
“It means a whole lot to be here because I just lost my dog of 10 years, and I’m still here helping out, doing whatever I can to ensure we have enough dogs to meet the needs of all the different locations. It just warms my heart to keep doing it.”
Honoring the Memorial 365 Days a Year
Local 5 members create storyboards from items left at the memorial site, lining the hallway of the Antlers Hotel to guide visitors to the registration office.
“Over the years, people bring personal pictures, teddy bears, and bottles that remind them of their loved ones. Each year, we try to make storyboards,” Smaldino said. “This is all stuff left at the wall after the ceremony. We want to remember and capture these memories, showing families that their loved ones are not forgotten. This isn’t just a one-time effort; it’s a year-long operation.”
Smaldino encourages everyone to stop by to visit anytime, even if they can’t attend during the ceremony week.
“This is everyone’s memorial; it’s the IAFF’s memorial,” he said. “We encourage anyone to reach out to help. Even if you can’t make it here during the actual week of the ceremony, you’re always welcome. We want everyone to know we’re here watching over them. We’re proud to be able to do it and be the host Local.”
