President Obama honors firefighters for battling wildfires

The group recognized 84 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2014 and three others who died in previous years.

Offering prayers and condolences to the families of 87 firefighters who have died in recent months, Obama said the profession of firefighting holds a “special place” in the imaginations of Americans because of the risks involved. Bell was known for his kindness and generosity and served as a role model to kids who lived in his neighborhood, Obama said.

He said that President Obama has gone out to disaster after disaster and has seen all these people have accomplished.

Because of the weather, the ceremony was moved from the memorial on the grounds of the e National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, to the Knotts Arena at Mount St. Mary’s University. Thirteen have lost their lives and today we honor them as well. At the season’s peak 32,000 firefighters were battling blazes from California to North Carolina.

These firefighters went to work each day and “literally walk through fire”, he said, not knowing if they will make it home that night.

President Obama paid tribute to those firefighters during the 34th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial service in Maryland.

Two of Montana’s fallen firefighters were honored on Sunday as their names were added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park.

“We look at our fallen brothers and sisters as highly honored members of our service because they did give the ultimate sacrifice”, Allyn Bertrang said, the Eau Claire Fire Deputy Chief.