Montana Fallen Firefighters Memorial honors “real heroes”

COVID canceled the fallen firefighters memorial the final two years.

This 12 months it got here again on Saturday, in remembrance of two firefighters from Nice Falls, one from Bozeman and one from West Yellowstone.

The names of 4 extra firefighters have been engraved on the partitions on the Montana State Firefighters Memorial.

The ceremony remembers firefighters misplaced within the line of obligation and it is one thing essential for household, pals and fellow-firefighters.

The Billings Caledonian Pipes and Drums band led the procession of firefighters and the colour guard introduced the flags.

“Bless this time as we collect collectively, to honor them, to recollect them and above all, to provide thanks for his or her service and their life,” stated Deputy Fireplace Marshal Jayson Nicholson of the Laurel Fireplace Division.

“The memorial and the hallowed floor that it sits upon is devoted to people like Jason, Ian, Tom and Tim who answered the decision, whatever the threat to themselves into in service to their neighborhood and Montana,” stated Brian Dennis, former Laurel firefighter.

“These sporting a uniform assume that threat for the protection of strangers,” stated Lori Johnson, Montana Skilled Firefighters District 1 vice-president. “They and their households share and unstated information that every day brings new harmful. These 4 males are actual heroes. They gave all of it for the love of the job and made the final word sacrifice.”

She then learn the names of the firefighters.

“Jason Baker from Nice Falls fireplace. Final name February 20, 2019.”

“Thomas Mark Duffy, a helicopter pilot. His final name August 24, 2020.”

“Tim David Hart, West Yellowstone smokejumper. His final name June 11, 2021.”

“And Lieutenant Colonel Ian Hermann McBeth, Montana Air Nationwide Guard pilot. His final name January 23 Of 2020.”

“It is simply an honor to place their names on the wall so we are able to at all times keep in mind the sacrifice that they’ve supplied for the state,” stated George Richards, Montana Skilled Firefighters president.

Earlier than the ceremonial bell ringing, J.W. Hopper introduced the final name on radio.

“That is the final alarm for our fallen brothers who’ve handed away serving the communities within the nice state of Montana. let or not it’s recognized that they aren’t to reply once more and as an alternative ought to return house with Lord. Montana firefighters it’s possible you’ll clear. outing 12:44.”