Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day Marked in WV
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin ordered state flags on the State Capitol's grounds to be lowered to half-staff on Oct. 21.
West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin proclaimed Oct. 21, 2012, as Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day in the state and ordered all state flags on the grounds of the State Capitol in Charleston to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the dedication and commitment of West Virginia's more than 10,000 career and volunteer firefighters.
This year's service is dedicated to Davis-Creek Ruthdale Volunteer Firefighter Joseph A. "Joey" King, 61, who died in the line of duty Dec. 4, 2011, when he fell from a bridge while trying to spot the location of a nearby fire, The Charleston Daily Mail reported.
"Today I ask all West Virginians to take a moment to remember the firefighters we've lost, and to thank all the brave men and women who work tirelessly to keep us safe each and every day," Tomblin said. "Joanne and I will keep the King family and all the other families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty in our thoughts and prayers."