As we continue to grieve the loss of our brother, Dylan Smith, the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Inc., would like for you to take part in the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters.

Every October, a grateful Nation honors its fallen fire service heroes at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park, located on the campus of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is the official national tribute to those firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Dylan graciously volunteered at one of the past Memorial Weekends and this is our way to honor him.

This year’s Memorial Weekend was scheduled for October 3-4, 2020, but due to the global pandemic, we have decided to hold a virtual service on Sunday, October 4, 2020, until we can all be together safely in Emmitsburg. On Sunday, October 4, the lives of 82 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2019 and 21 firefighters who died in previous years will be remembered during America’s Tribute to Fallen Firefighters online at 10:00 am (EDT).

We are asking landmarks, buildings, fire departments and communities across the country participate in “Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters.” We hope that you will join this extraordinary display of recognition, especially during these trying times.

Sneade’s Ace Home Center in Owings, has donated red bulbs for our community to put out on their front porches to honor our firefighters. You can pick up your light bulbs (limit 2 per household) at the Huntingtown VFD, 4030 Old Town Road, starting Monday, September 21 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, while supplies last.

You can be a beacon of hope to Fire Hero Families and firefighters nationwide by joining us for Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. We want to recognize your participation on our website and social media. Please visit https://www.firehero.org/events/memorial-weekend/about/light-night-fallen-firefighters/department-support/ to sign up and learn more about America’s Tribute to Fallen Firefighters. For more information, please contact Chief Tim Clark at dclark2466@gmail.com.

And, again, Dylan, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE