Alexandria Fire Chief Robert Dube, left, is assisted by Volunteer Fire Department president Jay Johnson (behind Dube) in laying a wreath at the Memorial to Fallen Firefighters Oct. 13 at Ivy Hill Cemetery. The ceremony is held each year during National Fire Prevention Week to honor fallen firefighters and EMS personnel. Photo by Jeanne Theismann.
“We are here to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and remember those who have recently departed.” — Alexandria Fire Chief Robert Dube
Alexandria’s fallen firefighters and EMS personnel were remembered by members of the city’s first responder and law enforcement agencies at a memorial service and wreath laying ceremony Oct. 13 at Ivy Hill Cemetery as part of the annual National Fire Prevention Week ceremonies.
“We are here to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and remember those who have recently departed,” said Alexandria Fire Chief Robert Dube.
The Memorial to Fallen Firefighters, which dates back to 1856, is the site of the wreath laying ceremony that honors those who have died in the line of duty and marks the passing of members of the department who have died during the preceding 12 months.
The centerpiece of the ceremony is the Roll Call of the Fallen, a reading of the names of fire safety and EMS career and volunteer personnel who have died in the line of duty. Following the Roll Call, Alexandria Fire Chief Robert Dube and Volunteer Fire Department President Jay Johnson placed a wreath at the Memorial to Fallen Firefighters.
Human Resource department employee Vina White opened the ceremony with “The Star Spangled Banner,” Alexandria Pipes and Drums bagpiper Kevin Donnelly performed “Amazing Grace” and AFD Capt. Matthew Craig closed the event with the traditional bugle rendering of “Taps.”
“In November of 1855, seven firefighters were lost battling a blaze in the 100 block of King Street,” said Dube in detailing the origins of the ceremony. “A year later the obelisk was placed here as a tribute to their sacrifice. Today, as our focus is on National Fire Prevention Week, we honor and remember the lives of those who have served the City of Alexandria.”