CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes

California Firefighter Memorial Ceremony

On October 12, 2024, firefighters, families, and supporters gathered at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento to honor 36 firefighters whose names were added to the California Firefighters Memorial. For the families of the fallen, the ceremony was both a time of mourning and a reminder of their loved ones’ enduring legacy. “Today, we gather to honor and pay tribute to our fallen brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate price,” said Brian K. Rice, Chair of the California Fire Foundation.

The event opened with the Pipes and Drums of CPF as attendees stood together in shared grief and solidarity. The tolling of the bell for each name added symbolized their final call, and the presentation of folded flags to the surviving families.

Many of the honorees lost their lives to job-related illnesses, including cancer, cardiac conditions, and post-traumatic stress injury. Over half of the names added this year represent those who succumbed to cancer, underscoring the growing risks firefighters face. “The events that bring families here today may differ, but the loss is felt the same,” Rice remarked.

The ceremony concluded as attendees gathered outside for a solemn procession to the newly updated Memorial site in Capitol Park, where the names joined over 1,500 others etched into the polished limestone walls.

This year’s ceremony was especially significant as it culminated with the unveiling of the Memorial site’s “Phase One” enhancements. The Fallen Brother statue, a powerful symbol of sacrifice, has been relocated to a more prominent position within the expanded landscape, creating a serene space for reflection. The memorial wall has also been expanded to ensure space for future honorees for the next 100 years, preserving the Memorial as a lasting tribute.

As onlookers gather and families and supporters pay tributes to their loved ones, Rice reminds those in attendance, “This Memorial stands as a tribute to their selfless dedication and a commitment to ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.”