October 6 and 7, 2018 marked the 37th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend held at the National Fire Academy in Emmittsburg, MD. The event was a chance for families, friends and colleagues to grieve and honor their loved ones killed in the line of duty in 2017. The names of each of the 80 firefighters killed in 2017, along with the names of 23 firefighters who died in previous years, were added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
Captain Sander Cohen, of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, was killed on Dec. 8, 2017 when he was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 270. Cohen was assisting at the scene of a disabled vehicle. The 33 year old became a volunteer firefighter at the age of 19. RVFD members, along with Sander’s family, paid tribute to his memory at the event, where each family was recognized and a folded American flag was presented in their honor. RVFD was especially honored by having RVFD Engine 703B parked at the main stage at the front of the assembled crowd.
Additional photos from the event can be found HERE.