Final Alarm Ceremony – Wisconsin Rapids

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (WFHR, WIRI) – Loved ones, friends, and co-workers from across the state gathered for the Final Alarm Ceremony in Wisconsin Rapids. This solemn ceremony is dedicated to the memory of the First Responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the Line of Duty.

Attendees gathered at the Wisconsin Fire and EMS Memorial in Ben Hansen Park on September 28th, 2024. The ceremony began precisely at 3:33 PM with a procession of honored families and departments of those who have died in the Line of Duty. The posting of the Colors by Wisconsin Fire and EMS Memorial Honor Guard (WFEM) were accompanied by the WFEM Massed Pipes & Drums.

Ceremony

After the National Anthem sung by Melissa Defebaugh, Pledge of Allegiance, and Invocation by Chaplain Tom Anderson, the audience regained their seats for the Wreath Laying Ceremony. The WFEM Honor Guard and WFEM Massed Pipes & Drums accompanied with the playing of Amazing Grace.

WRFD Chief Eckes

Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department Chief Todd Eckes welcomed everyone to Wisconsin Rapids as the host site for the Wisconsin Fire and EMS Memorial. He addressed attendees and families who were standing on the hallowed ground dedicated to those who have fallen. He said the loss of life doesn’t get any easier from year to year. Firefighters are losing their lives not only from the life-threatening jobs they do, but also from carcinogens they absorb in the line of duty and the stress and toll on their mental health. September is Suicide Prevention Month. Eckes said the CDC reports that Firefighters and their Law Enforcement Brothers and Sisters are more likely to die from suicide than in the line of duty. EMS workers are 1.3 times more likely to die of suicide than the general public. He said the mental health of their members deserve to be a top priority.

PFFW President

Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin President Mahlon Mitchell addressed those gathered. He said First Responders respond on the worst day of people’s lives. “When they’re at the worst, we have to be at our best. There are givers and takers in this world. First Responders are truly givers.” Mitchell continued that as soon as they leave the academy, every Firefighter, every EMT, and every Paramedic understands that the next alarm may be their last. They acknowledge that when they choose the profession. First Responders are America’s heroes. They epitomize what duty really means. He said “This is who we are and this is what we do.” Mitchell also addressed the pain of losing First Responders. He said, “But nothing can erase the pain that you’re feeling. Nothing can erase the pain that we feel for our Brothers and Sisters in the fire service. Nothing can erase that grief, that sorrow that we’re all feeling right now… But, we should always take comfort in that there was abundant meaning in their lives… We can all take heart in knowing that they were engaged in an endeavor that is a measure of human greatness. And that they will always be remembered for their courage, their honor, and their selfless dedication.” 

Mayor of Wisconsin Rapids

Mayor Matt Zacher spoke to the audience, welcoming those who gathered and thanking everyone for attending the ceremony. He said, “First Responders provide a vital service to communities. Their professionalism, skill, and deep compassion provides aid and comfort to people in devastating situations. Their faithful services save lives while sometimes risking their own lives. When a First Responder falls in the line of duty, their loved ones carry the burden of their loss and share the honor of their sacrifice.” He then shared Governor Evers proclamation that will be published in October to honor Wisconsin’s FireFighters and Emergency Service Professionals.

Line of Duty Death Names

Chief Steven Schreiber read the legacy Line of Duty Death Names while the WFEM Honor Guard presented memorials to the families and Fire Departments. Family members and friends from the audience were then invited to say the names of those fallen before 2014. The Roll Call of LODD Members were then read from the last 10 years with tolling of the Memorial Bell for each. It was a solemn and silent roll call between the reading of the names and the tolling of the bell.

Names added to the Memorial

Chief Steven Schreiber then read the Line of Duty Death Names being added to the Memorial this year. The WFEM Honor Guard presented a flag and a white rose to the family members and Fire Departments of those fallen. The Memorial Bell tolled after each name read while the Honor Guard made their presentations. A solemn salute ended each presentation with emotion and sorrow.

Tolling of the Memorial Bell

The WFEM Honor Guard performed with Bell Ceremony and Bell Tolling followed by Cody Tesch playing Taps.

After prayers and benediction, the WFEM Honor Guard Retired the Colors while the WFEM Massed Pipes and Drums accompanied them with Amazing Grace.

Wisconsin Fire and EMS Memorial

You can find out more about the Wisconsin Fire and EMS Memorial here. Tom Anderson spoke with James J. Malouf on Mid-Day Magazine about the importance of this solemn ceremony on September 13, 2024.