Lt. Gov. Ramsey resolution honors Tennessee’s Fire Fighters

    (NASHVILLE, TN), February 11, 2008 -- Firefighters were honored today with passage of a resolution in the Tennessee State Senate marking February 11 as “Fire Fighters Memorial Day.”  The resolution, sponsored by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, recognizes the service of firefighters and the sacrifices they make in the line of duty.

“Everyday across Tennessee, brave firefighters put on their uniforms and report for duty with the knowledge that some day they may have to pay the ultimate price for the job that they do,” said Ramsey.  “It is appropriate that we have this day set aside to honor them and pray for their safety, and to commemorate those fallen heroes who lost their lives.”
           
There are 23,553 fire fighters in Tennessee, of which 7,074 are full-time and 16,479 are volunteers.  Seventy-six fire fighters have died since 1954. 

“Tennessee is truly the volunteer state, as evidenced by the number of volunteer firemen who are willing to risk their lives to protect their neighbors,” Ramsey continued.  “I am pleased this resolution has passed and hope that it raises awareness in our communities of the sacrifices fire fighters make every day.”

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