The annual RI Firefighters Celebration of Service was held on May 10, 2025 at the RI Firefighters Memorial. The Memorial is located at the RI Fire Training Academy. The ceremony had to be brought indoors due to rain showers. An overflow crowd filled the apparatus shed building as all 155 names, plus the 15 newly engraved names, on the Line of Duty Death Wall were read.
Family members, friends and colleagues read the 15 new names and told those assembled about their life and service. Governor McKee, Senator Reed and Congressman Magaziner welcomed the large crown and thanked them for their service.
A special keynote address was given by Secretary of State Gregg Amore, who shared his unique story of being rescued from a house fire when he was a young boy. He spoke of the firefighters' bravery and compassion during that fire when he was a child. He also shared his families experience when his daughter had been involved in a car accident. In sharing these stories, it allowed Secretary Amore to share his deep feelings and admiration for the fire service. He expressed how much he appreciates the work of the fire service and how important it is that we recognize the service of those who have died in the line of duty.
Photo credits: WPRI-TV, the office of Secretary Amore, Sherri Ferri, and Stephen Susi . |