EMMITSBURG, Md. -- The U.S. Fire Service honored a firefighter from Oklahoma who died in the line of duty, during the 37th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, Oct. 7. He was among the 80 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2017 and 23 firefighters who died in previous years who were remembered at the official national service at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md.
Firefighter Michael Dale "Mike" Russell, 68, of the Leach Volunteer Fire Department, died Feb 22, 2017, from injuries sustained when he was involved in a vehicle accident in the tanker truck he was driving to a structure fire. His name was added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the Academy grounds.
The national tribute is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Fire Administration.
More than 5,000 people, including families, friends, members of Congress, Administration officials and firefighters were expected to attend on Sunday. Firefighter honor guards and pipe and drum units from across the U.S. were expected to participate in this national remembrance.
For a complete list of fallen firefighters being honored, go to www.firehero.org.
General News on 10/10/2018