For Immediate Release: Friday, May 3, 2024
Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Recognizes International Firefighters’ Day and National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued two proclamations recognizing May 4, 2024 as International Firefighters’ Day and May 5, 2024 as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day. National Firefighter’s Day highlights the duty and bravery of firefighters around the country who put their lives on the line to protect life and property. National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day honors firefighters and emergency services personnel who have sacrificed their lives to save others.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “As we enter this weekend to spend time with friends and family, I am asking Floridians across the state to take some time to think about all those firefighters who work 24/7/365 to keep our communities safe. Also, please say a prayer for those families who have lost their loved ones in the line of duty. These heroes give every last measure of devotion to serve and protect their fellow citizens. We must never forget their sacrifices, nor the families of those fallen heroes who continue to live every day with an emptiness that can never be filled. To all of Florida’s firefighters and fire service professionals, thank you for your dedication and your service to our great state. To the families of the fallen, Katie and I will continue to share our love and prayers with you as you mourn the loss of your loved ones.”

INTERNATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS’ DAY PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, firefighters dedicate countless hours, selfless time away from their families, and take ultimate risks to their lives to do their jobs for their communities; and

WHEREAS, the role of a firefighter is to respond to emergencies involving life, property, or environment and to fight together against one common enemy that can destroy lives; and

WHEREAS, most people would risk their lives to save a family member, friend or even a pet, but a firefighter makes the conscious decision daily to risk their lives for those in their community that they have never met; and

WHEREAS, the men and women of the fire service industry are a special group of individuals that exude extraordinary commitment and exceptional courage to tirelessly work in a profession whose focus is to serve and protect others; and

WHEREAS, International Firefighters Day was created in 1999 after 5 firefighters died tragically during a wildfire in Australia when the direction of the wind changed suddenly and engulfed them in flames; and

WHEREAS, International Firefighters Day is celebrated on May 4th because it is Saint Florian’s Day, who was the first commanding firefighter of an actual Roman battalion saving many lives and is considered the patron saint of firefighters; and

WHEREAS, International Firefighters Day is a time where the world’s community can recognize and honor the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure that their communities and environment are safe as possible.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal of the State of Florida does hereby recognize May 4th as

INTERNATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS’ DAY

and encourage all citizens to outwardly thank and show their appreciation to firefighters who dedicate their lives to protect life and property to all Floridians.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida has hereunto subscribed his name on the 4th day of May 2024.

NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORAL DAY PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the United States Congress and the President of the United States have designated the day of the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service as a day to honor firefighters and emergency services personnel who have sacrificed their lives to save others by lowering the American flag on all federal buildings to half-staff; and

WHEREAS, an average of 80 firefighters courageously make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty each year; and

WHEREAS, firefighters and emergency services personnel play an essential role in the protection of lives and property in our local community; and

WHEREAS, it is of major importance that we increase our efforts to reduce deaths, injuries, and property losses from fire; and

WHEREAS, in my capacity as the Florida State Fire Marshal, I encourage all fire and emergency personnel to participate in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, a recognition to toll a bell and pause for a moment of silence at noon on May 5th to recognize the sacrifice of their fallen firefighters and honor their families; and

WHEREAS, two hundred and twenty-six firefighters will be added to the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland, forever recognizing and honoring their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal of the State of Florida does hereby recognize

NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL DAY

and encourage all Floridians to honor fire and emergency services personnel, past and present, who have rendered invaluable service to our community and citizens.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida has hereunto subscribed his name on the 5th day of May 2024.