On October 4, 2025, over 1,000 firefighters, families, and supporters came together at the California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony to pay tribute to 30 fallen firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their names were newly engraved into the Memorial Walls, joining more than 1,500 of their fallen brothers and sisters.
Once again, more than half of this year’s honorees were lost to cancer, while others succumbed to job-related illnesses, including cardiac conditions and post-traumatic stress injury — acknowledging the growing risks firefighters face every day. “Each story is different, each loss is unique, but together they represent the many ways this job — the job that we love — can exact the ultimate price,” said Brian K. Rice, Chair of the California Fire Foundation.
As the Last Alarm rang out, marking the heroes’ final call, families of the fallen were presented with flags symbolizing the state’s gratitude for their loved ones’ service and sacrifice. Following the ceremony, the Honor Guard, Pipes and Drums, and a Sea of Blue led the recessional of families to the Memorial site. There, beneath the quiet whisper of the flag and the steady hum of bagpipes, they stood before the engraved names of their loved ones. Each name engraved on the Memorial Walls carried a lasting imprint of love, courage, and service.
The Memorial became both a place of sorrow and of strength — a testament to the hearts behind every act of heroism.