(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Thousands of firefighters from across the country are in Colorado Springs this weekend to honor their fallen comrades by engraving their names into the Wall of Honor at Memorial Park.
The ceremony commemorated 311 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2025, with each name read aloud followed by the echoing ring of a bell.
“It’s really a dangerous job that they do, a community service,” said Lisa Wells, the wife of a fallen firefighter.
“This epitomizes everything that we do is to fight for those who gave their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Frank Lima, General Secretary and Treasurer of the International Association of Firefighters.
The somber cry of loved ones filled Memorial Park in Colorado Springs on Saturday, Sept. 20, as thousands of firefighters and families gathered to mourn the legacy their loved ones left behind.
“I mean, when you hear 100 bagpipes, you know, playing Amazing Grace, it puts shivers down your spine,” said Lima.
The Wells family traveled from California to honor their father, Bruce, who died of kidney cancer at just 51 years old after 30 years of service.
“It was presumed to be job related. Most cancers with firefighting. Unfortunately, our job-related cancer is very prevalent when it comes to firefighting,” said Wells.
Bruce’s name was etched into the Wall of Honor alongside thousands before him.
Those honoring the fallen are aware of the dangers firefighters face, including the high prevalence of job-related cancer.
The members are committed to serving their communities, often at great personal risk, to protect people regardless of their differences.
The Wells family says it was more than an honor; it was a new way to connect with their dad.
“So, we know the man at home. And, you know, you hear about the man at work. But when you get together for a big firefighter event like this and they do start exchanging stories, you know, they’re telling my sons about different stories that happened with their dad on the fire line or around fire camp,” said Wells’ son.
While a name on a wall can’t replace the pain in their hearts, their shared stories will live on forever.
“Today’s just been really neat to learn more about who my dad was as a person and what he represented as a leader and as a man mean, I look up to him the more I learned about him throughout this whole process,” said Wells’ son.
The event provided a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by firefighters and the enduring legacy they leave behind, as families and colleagues gathered to honor their memory and share stories of bravery and dedication.
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