The Manager's report back on lighting up City Hall and firehouses for National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in 2019

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was created by the United States Congress to coordinate nationwide efforts to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992 the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to fulfill that mandate. Each October, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty the previous year. A weekend of activities is held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD.

As part of the nationwide recognition of fallen firefighters, fire departments and communities across America are encouraged to participate in Light the Night for fallen Firefighters. This past October the program was conducted across America October 1 through 7, 2018. I would expect the dates for 2019 to be in the same week as the ceremonies in Emmitsburg, MD are scheduled for October 5 and 6, 2019.

Among the more significant landmarks illuminated this past October were the Zakim Bridge in Boston, One World Trade Center in New York City and the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA.

The City will light City Hall in red. The Fire Department will investigate the possibilities of lighting at fire stations.

Sadly, the National Fallen Firefighters Monument in Emmitsburg, MD holds the name of Captain Barry M. Bennett, a Cambridge Firefighter who died as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty on November 2, 2003. Captain Bennett’s son Zachary is currently a Cambridge Firefighter assigned to Engine Company 2.

I look forward to the opportunity to work with City Hall Staff and other agencies to bring this event to fruition.