National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmittsburg, Md., pays tribute to men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Article courtesy of the TIMES NEWS October 11, 2006
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National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmittsburg, Md., pays tribute to men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty. |
The memorial tribute paid to their late "Brother," John "Jackie" Stoudt, a fallen Summit Hill fireman, has left lasting effects on members of Diligence Fire Co. No. 1, Summit Hill. So much, in fact, that a five-member delegation recently returned from Emmittsburg, Md., where they participated in the 25th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service held there at the national shrine.
"Jackie" Stoudt died responding to a mutual aid fire on Dec. 24, 2004. A year ago, members of his company participated in the annual ceremony as representatives of his family and guests at the memorial service. This time around, the DFC members wanted to return the favor by honoring families of 107 firemen who fell victim to Line of Duty Death (LODD) since the previous memorial service.
"It was a very humbling experience," said Len Ogozalek, assistant fire chief, who was joined by Fire Chief Shawn Hoben, Engineer/Treasurer John R. Poko and firefighters David Ogozalek and Steve Becker in making the trip to Emmittsburg. "Th observance wasn't something that was only small and local, every state in the country was represented and we were fortunate to be among honor guard members from across the country."
More than 500 firemem participated in the service, while hundreds of others were participants with their families in the audience of about 8,000 people. "This was something special; everybody pulls together to honor those who passed away in the line of duty," Ogozalek added.
Poko, a fireman for 37 years, added, "It's hard to explain (what drives people to the fire service), but you could see the pride and tradition side of it by participating in such an impressive ceremony." He furthered, "It was like a second family, whether you knew them or not. I don't think any firefighter can actually explain why they do what they do, but to go there and see the tribute to fallen firemen, that is awesome.. to throw 500-600 firemen into a group and have them come together like they do each year, it's very emotional."
When they went to Emmittsburg last year, DFC members were actually guests, representing the Stoudt family. Hoben accepted the American flag presented to families of fallen firefighters, later presenting it to Stoudt's widow, Shirley. "It was very emotional last year," Ogozalek said. Rich Gould, assistant chief who made the trip last year but was unable to do so this time around, added, "The way we were treated was impressive. We made up our minds that we would go back and try to do the same." "We wanted to honor other deceased firefighters, to show respect for those fallen heroes," Poko said.
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Summit Hill firemen participated in the 25th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service this past weekend in Emmiottsburg, Md. They included, from left, David Ogozalek, Len Ogozalek, Shawn Hoben, Steven Becker and John Poko. |
In the wake of National Fire Prevention Week, the three-day trip started last Friday and continued with a day full of activities on Saturday and the ceremony Sunday. "People from all walks of life, and firemen from young ages to some with 56-year careers in the fire service participated," Gould added.
The weekend featured group sessions for widows and children, a candlelight vigil and Mass, and numerous other activities. Some firemen participated in the honor guard, stood at attention at the perpetual fire and formed regiments that established a "Sea of Blue," in which family members of victims walk through a tunnel-like formation to get to the national shrine. Others were assigned escort duties, in which they served as tour guides, ushers and hosts for victims' families.
"To put it into perspective, think of the emotion of seeing five- and six-year-old kids signing banners with messages to their departed dads," Gould said. "It was harder than anything seeing kids having to handle the death of their fathers."
"If there was one thing drilled into us, it was that we were there for the families," Ogozalek said. "And that's exactly why we went back there. Last year, death hit our station. It opened our eyes. Then, to see what we were missing prompted us to want to participate this year. I think we'll probably make our attendance there an annual event."
Poko said Stoudt's LODD was the first one he can remember in many years. He recalled firefighters from the East End Fire Company, Tamaqua, losing their lives back in the 50s or 60s in response to a fire in Quakake. "It hit home," he said of losing Stoudt. "Then to go there and see things like a child who has lost his father, the emotion of this type of event makes you feel that no matter how tough you feel inside ... it puts it in a whole different perspective."
The firefighters' memorial was dedicated on Oct. 4, 1981, featuring a monument shrine of stone, marble and brick surrounding eternal lights that shine in memory and honor of American firefighters. For more information on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, go online to www.firehero.org, or for information on the Diligence Fire Company, contact www.summithillfire.com