IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial
Kerry Horton
On Saturday, September 17, 2022, the IAFF held it’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony for the first time since 2019. This year’s ceremony was well attended by AFDRA members and Local 244 active-duty members. Robby Sanchez led the NMIAFFMG to the IAFFMG Rally in Kanab Utah on September 10th, then the group made the trek over to Colorado Springs to attend the Fallen Firefighter Memorial. This year’s ceremony was special because our Brother Jeff Elk’s name was read and added to the memorial wall. This was supposed to happen last year, but Covid caused the cancellation of the ceremony the past two years.
If you have never been to Fallen Firefighter Memorial Wall, or attended the ceremony, I highly encourage you to put it on your calendar. This was my first time, and the event was quite spectacular, I do plan on attending next year as well. Colorado Springs FD, IAFF Local 5, does a great job hosting this yearly event, and it is attended by thousands of firefighters from all over the United States and Canada. New Mexico was represented by the New Mexico Fire and Police Pipes and Drums band, Local 244 members, as well as members from Santa Fe and Bernalillo County Fire Departments.
