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National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg was among those honoring the firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2006 at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on October 5-7 in Emmitsburg, MD. Joining the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the U.S. Fire Administration were fire service leaders and department members from across the country as well as the families of those who fell. President George W. Bush was among the distinguished speakers at the service on Sunday, October 7.

 

"From New York after 9/11, to New Orleans after Katrina, there were firefighters from around the country there to help. The bond between the firefighters is obviously unique; it is definitely a source of strength. And it's a reminder that the work here is a calling, not a job," Bush said. He also gave his assurance that the Hometown Heroes Act of the Public Safety Officers Benefits program will be fully implemented. “This program will be administrated the way it was intended to be administrated. That's the least we can do as we honor the families of those who have died in the line of service."

 

Following his remarks, Bush spoke individually with each family that was being honored. Each family was presented with a flag that had flown over both the U.S. Capitol and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, a red rose, and a badge. Stittleburg assisted in presenting the flags.

 

Read more about the 2007 Memorial Weekend.