The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) invites the public to attend the 2023 Virginia Fallen Firefighters and EMS Memorial Service on Saturday, June 3.
The memorial service will begin at noon at the Richmond Raceway Complex in the Main Exhibition Hall.
The Virginia Fallen Firefighters and EMS Memorial Service was established to honor firefighters and EMS personnel who perished in the line of duty, in accordance with the Virginia Line of Duty Act (§ 9.1-400).
Emergency response personnel, government officials, and public safety members will gather to celebrate the courage and dedication of each honoree. The Memorial Service includes a keynote address, a Virginia Fire Services Honor Guard procession, a musical performance, and a fire and EMS apparatus display from departments throughout the Commonwealth.
This year's service will honor ten fallen firefighters:
• Gary C. Campbell - Spotsylvania County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management
• TyVaughn N. Eldridge - Chesterfield Fire and EMS
• Christopher G. Griffin - City of Norfolk Fire Rescue
• Robert W. Nelms - Fries Fire and Rescue
• Jeffrey T. Rizzo - Loudoun County Fire Rescue
• Kimberly A. Schoppa - Fairfax County Fire and Rescue
• James A. Sturgill - Pound Volunteer Fire Department
• Gregory V. Thomas - City of Danville Fire Department
• Michael W. Webb - Callaway Volunteer Fire Department
• Herbert T. Wilcox - Rocky Mount Fire Department
For those who cannot attend in person, the Virginia Fallen Firefighters and EMS Memorial Service will also be streamed live on VDFP’s social media and website: www.vafire.com.