JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Wednesday morning, Jacksonville leaders and residents gathered for The Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony at Jacksonville Fire Station #1.
Every year, JFRD aims to honor their fallen firefighters. But this year, JFRD added a new feature that’s meant specifically to help those who are grieving the loss of their family and friends.
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This year, JFRD unveiled a brand-new black granite waterfall and bench.
The fountain gives grieving family and friends a peaceful area to pray, remember or reflect on lost loved ones. The bench, engraved with a special JFRD logo only meant for fallen firefighters, provides people with a place to sit with their emotions.
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The ceremony honors the 25 JFRD firefighters who lost their lives over the years because of their service as a Jacksonville firefighter, whether it be from natural causes, an illness or while working on the job.
“Few among us will run into gunfire to help those injured in a crowd, go chest deep into rising waters to rescue those stranded in their homes or charge into roaring flames or dark smoke to carry victims to safety,” Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said.
Curry said these heroes, whose names now are etched on the Jacksonville Firemans Memorial Wall, are among the bravest heroes the city has ever seen.
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JFRD Director and Fire Chief Keith Powers said the annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony is necessary, but never easy.
“I just want to say thank you to each and every one of you for taking time out of your busy day to be here and support these families while we recognize these men that made the ultimate sacrifice,” Powers said.
JFRD also honored Wayne Doolittle, who died in June of this year. Doolittle was the driving force behind the annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony. It was in honor of his father Charles Doolittle who was a volunteer firefighter in Jax.
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Below are the names and dates of the 25 JFRD Fallen Firefighters alongside their date of passing:
-Firefighter Henry J. Bradley December 16, 1885
-Firefighter Sam L. Varnes March 1, 1927
-Firefighter Harry L. Graves June 30, 1933
-Firefighter Jerman J. Williams March 21, 1934
-Firefighter William E. Holloway December 24, 1943
-Assistant Chief James R. Romedy December 29, 1963
-Firefighter Dilliard D. Pinkston May 22, 1967
-Volunteer Arthur W. Hutt May 1, 1968
-Firefighter Walter W. Flowers December 25, 1968
-Lieutenant Newton E. Johnson August 6, 1970
-Captain Leon J. King, Jr. September 3, 1975
-Volunteer Glen A. Miley, Jr. December 18, 1975
-Volunteer Ronald H. Jones September 18, 1976
-Lieutenant Joseph F. Stichway May 25, 1979
-Engineer William E. Albritton August 16, 1986
-Firefighter Edgar A. Cowart November 6, 1986
-Firefighter Leon L. Benton December 27, 1990
-Chief Roger H. Taylor May 16, 2000
-Lieutenant Glenn A. Rodgers July 3, 2000
-Captain Noel A. Sauls August 7, 2000
-Recruit Karl K. Kramer May 28, 2005
-Engineer Neal Tarkington October 11, 2008
-Captain Thomas M. Barber June 14, 2021
-Lieutenant Mario J. Moya August 17, 2021
-Engineer Michael L. Freeland November 11, 2021
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