PEARL, Miss.- Mississippi State Fire Academy hosted the Mississippi Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service on Tuesday October 6th at 10 a.m.
Dozens gathered from fire departments all over, bringing family, friends and other first responders to commemorate the lives of two fallen firefighters from this year.
“Firefighters whether paid or volunteers are special people. With an extra ordinary dedication to their friends, neighbors, and community. They see death and destruction but continue with a strong spirit of commitment,” said Tommy MacDermott, President MS Volunteer Firefighters Association.
John L. Shoup and Dwight Greer were added to the monument today. Shoup was from the Ashland Fire Department for more than 20 years. While he was fighting a fire on March 7th 2015 he became sick and had to be taken home. Shortly after his wife took him to the hospital where he was treated for a heart attack. He was moved to Jackson but passed away on March 15th.
Greer was a fire fighter with Philadelphia Fire Department for more than 21 years and was considered a gentle giant who loved his department and what he did. He was participating in physical fitness on May 5th after which he was immediately rushed to the hospital but passed away the next day.
The memorial wall serves as a reminder of the lives that have been lost by dedicated firemen in Mississippi.
