About the 2025 Memorial Service

The 28th annual Virginia Fallen Firefighters & Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Richmond Raceway Complex, Main Exhibition Hall. This event is open to the public.

The Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service will be streamed live for those who cannot attend in person. Departments interested in providing apparatus or Honor Guard participation are encouraged to reach out to pio@vdfp.virginia.gov.

View Live Stream

The Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service will be streamed live for those who cannot attend in person starting approximately 11:45 am on Saturday, June 7th. To watch the live stream, please visit our YouTube Channel.

History of the Memorial Service

For over 20 years, on the first Saturday in June, we gather to honor the courageous firefighters and EMS personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This annual event, hosted by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, recognizes those who have been acknowledged by the Virginia Line of Duty Act in the past year.

This memorial service expresses our deep gratitude, unwavering support to the families left behind and reflecting on the unyielding dedication of our firefighters and EMS personnel. It is a powerful moment for our community to unite, pay tribute to the fallen and renew our commitment to those who continue to serve with such selflessness and bravery.

Ceremony Highlights

  • Honor Guard Procession: A solemn march to pay respect to our fallen heroes.
  • Memorial Roll Call: A reading of the names of those we have lost.
  • Guest Speakers: Hear from distinguished guests who will share their words of remembrance and gratitude.
  • Musical Tributes: Performances that reflect the solemnity and respect of the occasion.
  • Family Recognition: Special acknowledgment of the families who have endured such great loss.

Eligibility

Each year, we honor the dedicated individuals who have been approved under the Line of Duty Act (LODA) for their service and sacrifice.

The memorial service recognizes those whose LODA approvals were finalized during the previous calendar year. This year's honorees are recognized under LODA for their bravery and dedication to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

An annual list of eligible Honorees is provided by the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security containing honorees who have received Virginia LODA Approval between January 1 and December 31 of the prior year.

Main Point of Contact:

For more information on the Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service, contact Will Merritt, Public Information Officer (PIO) at (804) 249-1986 or pio@vdfp.virginia.gov.