Flags to be flown at half-staff for fallen firefighters Oct. 12

A firefighter's helmet rests on protective gear before the 9/11 memorial run at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Sept. 11, 2014. Flags at federal installations will be flown at half-staff Oct. 12, 2014, in observance of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joe W. McFadden/Released)

Flags to be flown at half-staff for fallen firefighters

Published Oct. 9, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Timothy H. Kim
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Federal installations around the world will fly the American flag at half-staff in honor of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Oct. 12, 2014.

The memorial service honors firefighters and first responders and coincides with Fire Prevention Week, which takes place during Oct. 5-11 every year.

Fire Prevention Week raises awareness of fire prevention as well as remembering the sacrifices of those who gave their lives so others might live.

"In accordance with Public Law 107-51, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff at all Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service," said U.S. President Barack Obama in an Oct. 3, 2014 proclamation. "I call on all Americans to participate in this observance with appropriate programs and activities and by renewing their efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences."

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial was constructed in 1981 and is located at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. All federal buildings, including military installations, are mandated to concur with the memorial service.