Alaska’s fallen firefighters remembered in downtown Anchorage ceremony

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Firefighters and members of the public came together Thursday evening to pay their respects to all of Alaska’s firefighters who gave their lives while protecting their communities.

The Alaska Fallen Firefighters Memorial Committee held the event for the 33rd straight year.

“It’s really nice to see everybody, all the people we’ve met over the years,” said Sitka Fire Department Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief Robert Dennard, who presided over the event.

“It’s nice seeing the individual people just walking off the street that stopped by to see the memorial and show their support.”

Thursday’s memorial ceremony occurred 24 years to the day after 343 firefighters lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and 15 years to the day after the Alaska Fallen Firefighters Memorial was first dedicated in Anchorage.

During the proceedings, a plaque was added to the memorial for Red Dog Mine Fire Chief Bob Chandler, who passed away in the line of duty last November.

“It’s nice that people remember,” said retired Anchorage firefighter Mark Barker, who originally started the event in 1992.

“Because these guys and gals literally gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

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