Five CAL FIRE Firefighters and One CAL FIRE Contract Pilot to be Honored & Remembered
Cal Fire News Release
Sacramento – The National Fallen Firefighters’ Foundation (NFFF) has announced the commemoration of
the 43rd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, scheduled to take place on May 4-5, 2024, in
Emmitsburg, Maryland. This solemn occasion will pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the
ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.
This year’s national tribute will honor the memory of five CAL FIRE Firefighters and one CAL FIRE
Contract Pilot. The fallen heroes being honored are:
- Joshua Bischof, Assistant Chief
- Scott Kelley Gomes, Fire Captain
- Timothy Rodriguez Jr., Fire Captain
- Jacob R. Flores, Firefighter II
- Daniel Joseph Geary, Firefighter II/Paramedic
- Tony Sousa, Contract Pilot
“This weekend is a solemn occasion to pay tribute to those who bravely gave their lives in service to our
CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler.
community. Their legacy of courage and selflessness will forever be etched in our hearts and minds. It is a sobering reminder of the dangers faced daily by first responders across our country and the incredible
sacrifices made in service of others,”
As a mark of respect, the American flag will be lowered to half-staff on all Federal and CAL FIRE
buildings on Sunday, May 5th. The public is encouraged to join in this gesture of remembrance by lowering their American flags on that day to honor the courageous individuals who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
The NFFF will live stream both events on the NFFF’s website (firehero.org), YouTube channel, and
Facebook page. This provides a convenient way for people to watch the commencements from wherever
they are.
SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 4, 2024
National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm ET
Sunday, May 5, 2024
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET
ABOUT THE NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS’ FOUNDATION (NFFF)
The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen
firefighters. The mission is to honor America’s fallen fire heroes; support their families, colleagues, and
organizations; and work to reduce preventable firefighter death and injury. The National Fallen Firefighters
Memorial Park includes the National Fallen Firefighters Monument, the National Fallen Firefighters
Memorial Chapel, a brick Walk of Honor, a September 11th memorial sculpture, and the National Fallen
Firefighters Foundation Bell of Remembrance. Information about the NFFF and the Memorial Park can be
found here.
