On Saturday, May 3rd, the acting U.S. Fire Administrator, Donna Black, and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Chair, Troy Markel, laid the presidential wreath at the fallen firefighters’ memorial. Plaques bearing the names of 140 fallen fire heroes were also unveiled. This service is meant to give hope to families that have lost their fire heroes and allows their memories to live on.

The following day, Governor Evers placed orders for flags to Half-Staff in honor of the firefighters of Wisconsin who have given their lives in the line of duty. We spoke with the Superior Fire Department about what the weekend means to them.

Flags were down in remembrance for fallen firefighters who have passed away over the year of 2024. Battalion Chief Steve Miner has been with the superior fire department for 14 years and honors the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend every year.

“It brings us together as a community as a whole to recognize the dangers that firefighters face every day,” he said. “And also allows the families of those who have lost a moment of national grievance and recognition for the sacrifices that their loved one has given.”

Miner reports that Superior Fire has been fortunate to have not lost any firefighters in the line of duty in the past year. There have been a few over the course of the department’s existence. He recounts that there have been none in recent history, pre-1950.

Despite no losses, Superior Fire honors those across the country who have fallen.

Firefighters have a 9 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14 percent higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population. Per year, 70 to 100 firefighters lose their lives on active duty in the U.S. For details and statistics, see this page.