VIDEO: Firefighters and paramedics from across Arizona gathered at the State Capitol on Sunday to honor 14 fallen first responders by adding their names to the memorial at Wesley Bolin Plaza.
The annual Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial honors first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty and recognizes their service, sacrifice, and legacy.
Family and community supporters attended the memorial, which included honor guards, pipe and drum units, and apparatus displays.
“This memorial is one of the most important moments of the year for the Arizona fire service,” said PFFA President Dan Freiberg. “We come together to honor the bravery and selflessness of those we have lost, to support their families, and to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.”
Every year, a mother and daughter make the trip to honor San Luis Firefighter Robert M. Fernandez. Sandra Gonzales, his sister, and Teresa Fernandez, his mother, traveled from Yuma to pay tribute to his memory.
“He was my brother, more than that, he was a father as well,” Gonzales said of her brother, who died in February 2022. “It’s an honor to be able to have a memorial for all of the fallen firefighter and their dedication.” Her mother added to that sentiment, calling the memorial “a little heartbreaking, but it’s good.”
