For The Herald
The late Larry Adams, a beloved local hero, was recently remembered for his courage and dedication during a National Fallen Firefighters Memorial service in Maryland.
The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) in 1992 to lead a nationwide effort to honor the memories of all U.S. firefighters who died in the line of duty and to provide support to their loved ones. As part of this mission, each October the Foundation hosts the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD.
From October 7-9th, the 41st Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend took place to remember the service and sacrifice of 148 fallen firefighters, from the 2022 Roll of Honor, which included 108 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2021 and 40 who died in previous years.
The family of Adams, a Yazoo County District 3 Volunteer firefighter who died in the line of duty on August 8, 2021, attended the Memorial Weekend. Members of the Adams’ family had the opportunity to meet other families of fallen firefighters from across the country so experiences could be shared, and lasting friendships could be made.
The Adams’ family participated in numerous activities throughout the weekend. Some allowed them to create lasting keepsakes of their fire hero and a special lighting of a candle at the Memorial Chapel in memory of their loved one. They also attended both the Candlelight and National Fallen Firefighters Memorial services.
The family had the opportunity to make a memorable rubbing of Adams’ name from the bronze plaque, and they also took rubbings of his memorial brick that had been laid on the Walk of Honor pathway to the memorial site. The family lovingly created a luminary bag that included Adams’ picture and stickers of hobbies he enjoyed during his life—hunting, grilling, and golfing. The luminary tradition is derived from a Hispanic custom to display the luminarias on the eve of an important event. The lighted tributes with the names of each of the fallen firefighters were on display during the candlelight service, which is held prior to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial service. The “passing of the light” is at the heart of the candlelight service. Each person attending the service, gets a candle stick to hold and shine during the duration of the service. Concluding the candlelight service, special music was shared as slide shows of fallen pictures were displayed.
Small group sessions were held to meet with others who had lost their firefighter. It was comforting for the Adams’ family to share memories with other widows, sons, daughters and extended family who are going through similar heartbreak and sadness. Each of them was reminded that they are not on this journey of loss and grief alone.
A Red Helmet ride took place prior to the candlelight service. This motorcycle processional was comprised of motorcyclists from several states to show their support for America’s fallen heroes and their families.
Members of the fire service make the Memorial Weekend a special time for the families of fallen heroes. Fire service escorts represent the fire service family and create a lasting impression.
The Adams family was honored to have the District 3 Volunteer Fire Department Chief Richard Pickens to serve as an escort and accompany them. As the family arrived at the memorial service, they were escorted through a “Sea of Blue” on the way to their seats. Representatives from Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Band Units participated as part of the solemn tribute and commemoration of their loved one.
During the Memorial Service October 9, each family was called forward to receive an American flag, a personalized commemorative badge and a red rose flower stem. The flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol and leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus previously presented to the NFFF the week before the Memorial in a ceremonial presentation.
As families gathered in Emmitsburg, MD, Whelen Engineering and Richard Childress Racing (RCR) teamed up with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to honor the fallen heroes at the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The race took place on October 8. A red RCR No. 2 Whelen Camaro depicted the names of the 148 fallen firefighters.
“I’m extremely honored to carry the names of firefighters lost in the line of duty on the deck lid of my car,” said driver Sheldon Creed. “I’ve always loved showing appreciation for first responders in any way I can.”
Creed finished the race in 16th place.
The Adams family would like to thank local Yazoo County District 3 Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Richard Pickens for attending and escorting them during this memorable weekend. Their heartfelt gratitude is extended to the fire hero families, escorts, cooks, Honor Guards, and hosts, from all over the U.S. for paying tribute to their beloved family member, Larry Dean Adams.
If you would like to read more about this memorable weekend, view recorded services and pictures, please visit fire hero.org.
