The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department asked the community to join them in the national Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters as part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. It lasted from dusk to dawn from Sunday, October 4, through Monday, October 5.

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“Every day, the brave men and women of our Fire Department stand ready to protect our community from fires, accidents, and other emergencies, and they deserve our thanks and support throughout the entire year,” says Fire Chief Marvin Riggins. “Light the Night gives us and our community the chance to make a visible statement of appreciation for those we lost while they protected us, and I hope people will join us in lighting their homes red in memorial.”

During this annual tribute organized by the National Fire Firefighters Foundation, landmarks, fire departments, and homes are lit in red during the week of the national tribute for fallen firefighters. All Macon-Bibb fire stations, Government Center, and the pedestrian bridge over Mercer University Drive will be lit red to honor fallen firefighters locally and across the state and country.

“We hope that this stunning nationwide tribute brings comfort to the families of our fallen heroes. Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters not only honors and celebrates the lives of their firefighters but is also a symbol of support to the families whose loved ones are being remembered,” explained Troy Markel, Chairman of the Board of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation salutes their courage and will be there to help them as they re-build their lives.”

Additionally, the Foundation will honor the lives of 82 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2019 and 21 firefighters who died in previous years were honored during America’s Tribute to Fallen Firefighters online on Sunday, October 4. This ceremony usually happens in person at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park on the campus of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, but was virtual this year due to COVID-19 concerns. You can watch that ceremony here.