Vernon to Honor Fallen Firefighters
(VERNON, Connecticut) – Fox Hill Tower in Vernon’s Henry Park and Vernon fire houses will be illuminated in red Thursday evening (May 4, 2023) to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
The annual Light the Night event is organized by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. May 6-7 is National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
“Every day Vernon’s volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line to answer calls and keep our community safe,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “It is important to recognize the commitment of our firefighters, and to remember those our nation has lost in the line of duty.”
This is the fourth year Vernon will participate in Light the Night. Parks and Recreation crews will illuminate Fox Hill Tower and firefighters have placed red lights at fire stations.
“Firefighters know that when they answer a call, even one that seems relatively routine, there is a risk,” Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said. “We will always honor those who have lost their lives in the service of others. They truly are heroes.”
Vernon has not lost a firefighter in the line of duty, a record for which the department is proud.
“The work we do can be difficult and dangerous,” Fire Chief Stephen Eppler said. “We work hard so that our people are well-trained, and we approach each incident with the safety of everyone at the forefront.”
Seventy nine firefighters died in the line of duty in 2022 and there have been 27 deaths so far in 2023.
Light the Night is typically held in October but was moved ahead this year. Several landmarks around the nation are expected to be illuminated in red Thursday night as part of the observance, including the World Trade Center in New York and the Willis Tower in Chicago.