Last weekend, Bill and I had went out to Emmitsburg, Maryland to photograph the National Fallen Firefights Memorial. The Memorial is located on the grounds of the National Fire Academy, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
(c) 2008 Patty Hankins
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial was constructed in 1981 on the grounds of the National Fire Academy. It was dedicated on October 4, 1981 by President Ronald Reagan. In 1990, Congress designated it as the official National Memorial to career and volunteer fallen firefighters.
(c) 2008 Patty Hankins
At the center of the memorial is a seven foot tall stone monument topped by a Maltese Cross with firefighting symbols on it.
(c) 2008 Patty Hankins
The central monument is surrounded by plaques listing the names of all fallen fighters since 1981. There is a plaque for each year – and a separate plaque for September 11, 2001.
(c) 2008 Patty Hankins
At the entrance to the memorial, one of the pillars has a traditional firefighter’s bell.
(c) 2008 Patty Hankins
Located nearby is the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel. The Chapel is one of the buildings on the grounds of the National Fire Academy that were part of St. Joseph’s College founded by Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton. Construction on the chapel began in 1839, with an expansion that was completed in 1891.
(c) 2008 Patty Hankins
Emmitsburg is located about 90 miles from Washington, DC, and about 25 miles north Frederick, MD on Hwy 15. To see the memorial, turn onto South Seton Avenue from Hwy 15. The Campus of the National Fire Academy will be on your right. There is one small sign indicating where you turn off South Seton Ave to see the Memorial.
(c) 2008 Patty Hankins
Once you are on FEMA’s property, proceed to the Security Office. All adults will need to register and hand in your driver’s licenses. The security guards will give you id tags, a parking pass, and directions to the memorial. We had no problems taking lots of photos of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial, the Memorial Chapel or the 9/11 Memorial (post on the 9/11 memorial coming soon). Since we were there in the middle of the day, we didn’t try to use a tripod, so I don’t know if there are any restrictions on tripod use at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
It’ s been many years since I came to this beautiful place. The only female firefighter on a trip of all males that I fought may fires with. I came shortly after we lost a fellow firefighter in Indianapolis, Indiana. He fell through a floor and his department found him after most of the fire was distinguished. I know we all ask ourselves how this can happen with all the training, exercises, etc. we endure. Well, it just does I am sad to say. I thank God for the time He gave me on such a wonderful department – Morristown Volunteer Fire Department, Morristown, IN. Thank you for allowing me to journey to such a historic and beautiful sanctuary. I am disabled now (Lupus and other autoimmune issues) but am more blessed than most. May God bless you and keep all our firefighters safe.
Sincerely,
Darcy Walker