The Laramie Fire Department (LFD) is joining the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in Light the Night on May 4^th to honor and remember the sacrifice of America’s fallen fire heroes. Light the Night takes place during National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend where landmarks, fire, community organizations, businesses, and homes across the nation light up red from May 1^st through May 5^th.

LFD began participating in Light the Night last year by illuminating Fire Station #1 with red lights, joining fire stations across the country in a light display of support for fallen firefighters. This year, LFD is taking the same course of action and will be lighting up Fire Station #1 with red lights on May 4^th. In joining the tribute, LFD is included on the national map with other communities that will glow red at nightfall to honor and remember firefighters who were lost in the line of duty.

“During Light the Night, we would love for the community to understand why we shine red, and to join in honoring those who have lost their lives keeping our communities safe. If residents would like to light up their own homes in red for the night, that would show a sign of respect and remembrance for fallen firefighters around the country and at home here in Laramie,” says LFD Operations Division Chief, Kevin Lam.

A few ways the Laramie community can get involved in National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend include lighting their own homes or businesses in red by swapping porch or exterior lights for red light bulbs, sharing support on social media by using the hashtag #NFFFLightTheNight2024, and recognizing the hard work and sacrifice of firefighters in their own lives.

“Unfortunately, we have lost someone in the line of duty within our own Laramie Fire Department. I’m grateful for this national level of recognition for firefighters and the dangerous, yet impactful, job we show up for every day,” says Lam.  “Firefighters do lose their lives conducting their employment, and Light the Night makes me feel proud for our crew while raising awareness for the risk we take in this job, and for those who have lost their lives doing so.”

This year’s Light the Night event also commemorates the 25^th anniversary of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Lam encourages residents to learn about the rich history of the organization and the National Fire Academy. Firefighters from around the world attend the National Fire Academy in Maryland which is home to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. This Memorial is where remembrance services for National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend are held. Learn more about the incredible backstory and national events and services that are held here during the Memorial Weekend at firehero.org.