SEPTEMBER 17, 1997 - Nearly 3,000 people are expected to attend the 18th annual Firemen's Memorial Service in Roscommon Saturday, Sept. 20 for statewide members of the fire service who died on or off duty during the year. The event honors all firefighters, whether career, volunteer or paid-on-call, as well as emergency medical service personnel.

Visitors will pay tribute to between 25-30 fallen fire service personnel, including three who lost their lives in the line of duty. During the ceremony, firefighter groups and family members of the deceased will place wreaths at the base of the 12-foot Firemen's Memorial Statute outside of Roscommon.

"All Michigan residents depend on the fire department, which is called every 98 seconds somewhere in the state," said Governor John Engler. "This memorial event is an important way tosay 'thank-you' to those who made the safety and rescue of others their life's work."

Statewide organizations participating in the service include the Michigan State Firemen's Association, Michigan State Police and State Fire Marshal, Detroit, Flint, Almont and Elba Fire Departments, Genesee County, and Ingham County's Holt-Delhi Color Guards. Representing Governor Engler and the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services will be the director of the new State Office of Fire Safety, Tony Sanfilippo, who will present certificates of recognition to families of those honored.

A State Police contingent will honor the fallen firefighters with a 21-gun salute. And like the American Revolution "shot heard 'round the world," these rifle shots also will be heard worldwide, thanks to ham radio operators from the Great Lakes Amateur Rovers. The group will transmit the live memorial service to listeners around the globe.

"These courageous members of Michigan's fire service put their lives on the line every time they answered an alarm," said Consumer & Industry Services Director Kathleen Wilbur. "This memorial service is a fitting tribute to their important contributions and memory."

Running in conjunction with the memorial service is the Firemen's Memorial Festival. Thethree-day event starts Friday, Sept. 19 and continues through Sunday, Sept. 21. The festival featuresmany firefighting demonstrations, equipment displays, contests, a parade, barbecue, arts and crafts booths, and foot races.

The 9:00 a.m. Memorial Service will be held in Roscommon, which is approximately seven miles east of Higgins Lake, and just off I-75. Close to the Roscommon Exit 239 on 1-75 is a big green and white highway sign designating the Firemen's Memorial Statute. Take the exit and follow the arrows to the statute.

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.