FIREFIGHTERS—FALLEN BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND

THE MEMORIAL WEEKEND
October 3-5, 2008: Thousands attended the 27th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, which was held to honor and commemorate the sacrifice of firefighters who lost their lives while working in the line of duty.

Photo permission of US Dept of Homeland Security, USFA

(As fire prevention practices have become more effective in the United States over the past several decades, career and volunteer firefighters respond to fewer actual fires each year.  As a result of this tremendous accomplishment in fire safety, firefighters must actively train using realistic firefighting tactics through the use of state of the art training props in order to build and maintain their skills.  The constant evolution of formalized response to hazardous materials and potential terrorist events has also increased the demand for very specialized training on specialized training grounds.)

In 2004 West Virginia University Fire Service Extension (WVU/FSE) engaged The Interact Business Group to provide an independent program/business plan to support the design and construction of a West Virginia Fire Training Academy to be located at WVU Jackson's Mill, Weston, West Virginia.

THE MEMORIAL WEEKEND
Travel expenses, meals and lodging were provided by private donations for immediate survivors in order to attend the tributes and counseling sessions.  Ready to lend support were volunteers, and in particular, returning survivors; who through their own personal tragedies were able to provide special support.

Per Wildfire Magazine ("On-Duty U.S. Firefighter Deaths Reach 10-Year Peak," 2000) "Stress and overexertion, usually resulting in heart attacks, continue to be leading causes of fatal injury for on-duty firefighters, according to a recent National Fire Protection Association report."

In 2005, The Interact Business Group provided the Central Yavapai Fire District a strategic Business Plan based on research of several key issues related to the training of Central Yavapai's fire service personnel.  (In 2004, the residents of the Central Yavapai Fire District in Arizona voted and passed a 17.2 million dollar bond for infrastructure improvements within the District.)

MEMORIAL WEEKEND
Firefighters from the departments of the fallen acted as Uniformed Fire Service Escorts to the families of those who lost loved ones.  Uniformed fire personnel created the "sea of blue" Walk of Honor through which the families past as they entered the National Tribute.  During the weekend event families participated in a Welcome Reception, Family Day, a Candlelight Vigil, and a Memorial Service which was opened by an honor guard and a bagpipe procession.

US Volunteer vs. Career Firefighter Line of Duty Deaths in 2008

According to the USFA Firefighter Historical Overview (June 11, 2008) 85% of en route fatal incidents involved volunteers.

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For more information on this project and other
training center projects contact :

Mary Burdick
Marketing Administrator
Interact Business Group
800.228.3710 ext.711
mary@interactbusinessgroup.com

We Write Strategic/Business Plans
for Public Safety Training Centers

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If you would like more information on any of these please contact Mary at (800)228-3710 ext. 711 or Mary@interactbusinessgroup.com

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