GILLETTE, Wyo. — Gov. Mark Gordon has ordered both the U.S. and State of Wyoming flags to be flown at half-staff across the state Oct. 9 to honor firefighters and first responders who risk their lives to protect Americans.
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service takes place Sunday at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation shows the 2022 Roll of Honor of firefighters who died in 2021 and in previous years and will be honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
President Woodrow Wilson in 1920 proclaimed Oct. 9 as the first Fire Prevention Day. Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 9 to 15 this year.
President Joe Biden said in his proclamation for Fire Prevention Week that this week’s theme, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape” emphasizes the importance of fire escape plans, testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and replacing them every 10 years, implementing appropriate building codes and installing fire sprinklers.
“With every home, school, and business destroyed in a fire, precious memories are lost, livelihoods are jeopardized, and dreams are crushed,” Biden’s proclamation said. “This National Fire Prevention Week, let us reflect on the importance of remaining vigilant and learning more about fire safety. Let us acknowledge the remarkable service of our Nation’s firefighters and honor the memory of those who have lost their lives protecting others. And let us all work to make these heroes’ jobs more manageable, keep our neighbors safer, and reduce the risk of fires across our country.”
