The 34th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will honor five firefighters who died in the line of duty from Arkansas. They are among the 84 firefighters who died in 2014 and three firefighters who died in previous years who will be remembered at the official national service at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland on Sunday, October 4.
Captain Dennis A. Channell, age 55, of the Poyen Fire Department suffered a stroke on February 9, 2014, after responding to an EMS call and died on February 10, 2014.
Pilot Jacob T. Harrell, age 33, of the Arkansas Forestry Commission, died in a plane crash on January 31, 2014, while on a fire detection flight during multiple wildland fires.
Assistant Chief JB Hutton Jr., age 77, of the Dermott Fire Department, collapsed and died on the scene of a grass/brush fire on October 1, 2014.
Chief Randall R. Pogue, age 49, of the Oak Grove Fire District #25, died on February 19, 2014, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident while responding to an accident on February 2, 2014.
Chief Ricky L. Winkles Sr., age 53, of the Trumann Fire Department, collapsed and died at the scene of a grass fire on January 28, 2014.
Their names will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the Academy grounds. The national tribute is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Fire Administration.
Thousands are expected to attend the service, including families and friends of the fallen firefighters, members of Congress, Administration officials and other dignitaries. Families will receive flags flown over the U. S. Capitol and the National Memorial. Members of the fire service, honor guard units and pipe and drum units from across the country will participate in this national tribute.
For a complete list of fallen firefighters being honored and a widget to display their information on your website, along with Memorial Weekend related videos, photos, media and broadcast information go to www.firehero.org.
