EMMITSBURG, Md. — A dozen Kentucky firefighters, including three from the Big Sandy region, will be honored during National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend next month.
The event, hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, will take place May 3 and 4, when 140 firefighters will be honored.
“This weekend is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage and commitment of those who put their lives on the line to protect others,” said Troy Markel, chair of the NFFF Board of Directors. “We come together not only to remember the fallen, but to stand in solidarity with their families and departments, letting them know their loved ones will never be forgotten.”
The Kentucky firefighters added to the 2025 Roll of Honor include:
- Firefighter Darrell Keith Helton, age 49, of the Belfry Volunteer Fire Department, died on September 5, 2024, from a heart attack while operating at a structure fire.
- Firefighter Geneva K. Salyer, age 56, of the Red Bush Volunteer Fire Department in Johnson County, died on August 29, 2023, from complications of cancer.
- Firefighter Gregory T. VanHoose, age 60, of the Rockhouse Volunteer Fire Department in Johnson County, died on April 21, 2023, from complications of cancer.
- Chief Charles E. “Bubba” Brumfield, age 55, of the Nicholasville Fire Department, died on August 1, 2021, from complications of cancer.
- Battalion Chief Mitchell T. Christian, age 60, of the Ashland Fire Department, died on April 10, 2023, from complications of cancer.
- Firefighter Gerald J. Cox, age 47, of the Priceville Volunteer Fire Department, died on June 28, 2019, from complications of cancer.
- Firefighter Arthur “Butch” Henley, age 63, of the Rolling Fork Fire Department, died on March 14, 2021, from complications of cancer.
- Firefighter/EMT Mark R. Hernandez, age 54, of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Fire Department, died on September 29, 2023, from complications of cancer.
- Captain Travis L. Ransom, age 49, of the Union Fire Protection District, died on June 21, 2024, from complications of cancer.
- Sergeant John T. Vickers Jr., age 62, of the Zoneton Fire Protection District, died on June 7, 2024, from complications of cancer.
- Captain Roy Franklin “Frank” Whitt, age 72, of the Route 504 Volunteer Fire Department, died on March 12, 2024, from injuries sustained in an apparatus accident during a fire department escort.
- Forest Ranger Technician Charles Wilburn, age 59, of the Kentucky Department of Forestry, died on June 4, 2020, from complications of cancer.
“Each of these 140 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others – a profound sacrifice that defines true heroism,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF. “Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to come together to honor their bravery, to stand beside their families, and ensure their legacy lives on in every community they so selflessly served.”
There are two events open to the public at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park on the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) during Memorial Weekend. The National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service is on May 3 at 7:30 pm EDT and will be hosted by Fire Captain Garon Mosby of the St. Louis Fire Department. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is on May 4 at 10 am EDT and will be hosted by actor Jeremy Holm.
Fire service and government leaders are scheduled to address the thousands of attendees at the Memorial Service on Sunday, May 4. The NFFF will live stream both events on the NFFF’s website (firehero.org), YouTube channel, and Facebook page.
