EMMITSBURG, Md. – Narrowly avoiding a possible federal government shutdown and Hurricane Matthew, thousands across the nation’s fire service were able to come together at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and honor fallen firefighters from 2015 and previous years.

This year was the 35^th annual national memorial service.  Several thousand people arrived in Emmitsburg on the first weekend of October to participate in several events that recognized a total of 112 fallen firefighters.

The service at the National Fire Academy highlighted 79 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2015 and 33 firefighters who died in previous years.  The number is higher than recent years largely due to a new ruling on the Public Safety Officer Benefits that recognizes deaths caused by illnesses that have been directly related to rescue and recovery work at Ground Zero during the Sept.11 terror attacks.

This year the names of 22 members of the Fire Department of New York City have been added to the memorial wall in a special plaque noting this inclusion.

Rain from a combination of Hurricane Matthew and a cold front caused officials to move the Saturday evening Candlelight Service from the memorial grounds indoors to the Basilica of the Daughters of Charity at the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton. Families were first escorted to the memorial site where they had the opportunity to see the memorial and the Walk of Honor before going to the Basilica for a service that included special music and the lighting of luminaries made and decorated by the children of the fallen firefighters.

“We are here this weekend to celebrate the lives of your firefighters,” said National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Chairman of the Board Dennis Compton at the opening of Saturday evening’s service. “This weekend is for you, the family members and coworkers of these courageous individuals.”

On Sunday the families of the fallen firefighters being recognized were escorted through a sea of blue to the memorial at the start of the service. The memorial service began with a traditional ringing of the bells and connected those in Emmitsburg with those across the nation through the NFFF ‘Bells Across America’ effort. Chairman Dennis Compton provided opening remarks highlighting four core values that are shared by all firefighters.

“There’s a distinct blend of commitment, pride, courage and compassion that makes firefighters effective, and helps make the fire service family strong,” Compton told the audience. “We know there is dignity in what we do and we are proud to serve.”

Pipers and drummers provided the musical cadence for members of the color guard and honor guard as they marched in carrying folded American flags. The flags, which flew over the U.S. Capitol, were presented to family members or department representatives as speakers read aloud the names of every fallen firefighter recognized in this year’s memorial event.

“The service and sacrifice represented here today by these firefighters and their survivors should stand as in inspiration to all of us.” said Chief Ernest Mitchell, Administrator of the United States Fire Administration,

Don’t succumb to the easiest and cheapest. Do what needs to be done to be effective and efficient.

By Rich Marinucci

Anyone who has read my writings knows that I believe training and education are extremely important for operating a fire department that desires to provide outstanding service. This is challenging for all departments because it requires time, resources, and commitment. Additionally, organizations are accepting more responsibilities, creating more subjects and topics that require training and/or education. Many are turning to technological solutions to address their training issues. Organizations must resist the temptation to abandon traditional group training by exclusively turning to other methods because of convenience and cost. There are benefits to live, in-person training that allows for interaction and common delivery. There are times when everyone needs to hear the same story and know how individuals view certain job responsibilities and job tasks. Only through live, group training, and education can this be accomplished.

Training and education methods have adapted to the times and both are using more technology to vary delivery in order to help with the challenges presented as people get busier and have fewer resources. For example, I completed my Master’s program course work using an online format. This provided convenience for me, as my schedule was not conducive to traditional attendance. I enjoyed the experience but do not believe I maximized my learning because I did not have the opportunity for in-person interaction with other students and my professors. Still, I was able to do something that I wanted to do within the constraints of my personal and professional life. I did learn and grow, so I don’t want to give the impression that I don’t think I benefited. I am just pointing out that there are limitations with distance learning.

Many fire departments are embracing technology to enhance and improve training and education. There are Webinars, video conferencing, online programs, and other options. The goal is for firefighters to get the training they need while minimizing the cost and time out of service in their first response district. There is also an element of convenience that makes it easier for all firefighters to participate. There is no doubt there are advantages. But, and there is always a “but,” organizations should not abandon classroom learning opportunities. There are too many benefits that can’t be duplicated with virtually all of the technological methods.

Let me offer another view. A friend of mine coaches junior high football. At the start of a recent season he asked the players what position they preferred. One student said he wanted to play quarterback. My friend asked if he had ever played before. He said no but he knew he would be good because he was really good on his video game! In spite of the fact that he did not physically throw, catch, or run, he thought by just playing a video game he could translate that to actual action. In some cases, we in the fire service must recognize that actual “doing” must take place, and not everything can be done through videos or on-line. 

Hands-on training is essential for many, if not all, of the skills required of a firefighter. Simulation has its place and is valuable. Certainly there are other professions that have demonstrated this, such as the airline industry. Pilots can use simulation to replicate dangerous situations and practice their trade without endangering themselves, others or expensive aircraft. No one can dispute this benefit and it certainly demonstrates that other risky occupations can benefit from its use. This is not to imply that everything can be handled in this manner. 

Training and education require well-rounded programs. There is no simp