Rochester Remembers Fallen Firefighters
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester Fire Department will participate in the 2019 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend Saturday and Sunday.
This year the City of Rochester will show support for America’s fallen firefighters by participating in the Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. The exterior of the City Hall dome will be lit in red Saturday evening in honor of fallen firefighters.
The following are Rochester Fire Department firefighters who have died in the line of duty:
Captain Peter S. Mackey July 23, 1942
Firefighter Stanley J. O'Brien December 24, 1953
Motor Operator Ambrose J. Riley December 24, 1953
Motor Operator Otis D. Ondler January 23, 1976
National Fire Prevention Week also begins Sunday and the Minnesota Region of the American Red Cross urges residents to practice their home fire escape plan and test their smoke alarms.
“During Fire Prevention Week, prepare your family for home fires before the holidays and cold weather increase the risk of these crises,” said Melanie Tschida, Executive Director of the American Red Cross serving Southeast Minnesota. “Home fires are most often caused by cooking and heating equipment, and we want everyone to stay safe. Please install and test smoke alarms on every level of your home, and practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in two minutes or less.”
For free home fire safety resources, visit redcross.org/homefires or download the free Red Cross Emergency App (search “American Red Cross” in app stores).