California

‘We Can Never Say Thank You Enough:' Fallen Firefighters Remembered in Moving Sacramento Ceremony

On Saturday, the California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony honored 31 California firefighters who died in the line of duty, adding their names to more than 1,300 already inscribed on the limestone wall in Sacramento’s Capitol Park.

The memorial bears the names of California firefighters who have died in the line of duty since California became a state in 1850.

'We can never say 'thank you' enough to the brave men and women who give service - and their lives - to keep us safe," said Attorney General Xavier Becerra. "Today we memorialize 31 firefighters who answered the call...and offer our promise that their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten." 

The wall – first unveiled in 2002 – is the site of an annual ceremony sponsored by the California Fire Foundation, a nonprofit organization created by California Professional Firefighters in 1987.

"The dedication and honor of the men and women we remember today cannot remain inside the walls of the firehouse – it deserves to be on display for all to see," said Lou Paulson, chair of the California Fire Foundation and president of California Professional Firefighters. "Our fellow Californians will come to this hallowed place, see the names on this memorial, and never forget what it means to give 'the last true measure of devotion,'" he added. 

The annual ceremony is conducted by the California Fire Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization created by California Professional Firefighters in 1987. 

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