Former Campobello Fire Chief William “Edward” McNeill Jr.’s family are among Fire Hero Families who attended the 41st Annual National Fallen Firefighter Foundation (NFFF) Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Md. The national tribute honors the 148 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2021 and several who died in previous years. Each firefighter’s name is inscribed on a bronze plaque and becomes a permanent part of the National Memorial in honor of their sacrifices.
McNeill Jr., 69, of the Campobello Fire Department, died March 4, 2021. He responded to a residential structure fire when the call was cancelled en route. McNeill suffered a heart attack and died later that night. Read more about McNeill.
Another South Carolina firefighter will be honored. Firefighter/EMT Brian S. Mixson, 32, of the Jasper County Fire and Rescue, ran multiple calls while on duty on March 5, 2021. He later experienced an acute headache, which was the onset of a stroke, and died on March 17, 2021.
See the list of fallen firefighters being honored here.
The NFFF recognizes family members and fellow firefighters as survivors, offering support to both. The weekend is a time for sharing, healing, and commemorating each firefighter’s commitment to public duty.
The families of America's fallen firefighters gathered Saturday for a Candlelight Service. As part of the ceremony, returning survivors share the light from the Remembrance Candle, a symbol of the hope and enduring friendship shared by all who have lost a firefighter.
Sunday morning Fire Hero Families participate in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, where the nation expresses its gratitude for the service of their loved one. The. NFFF presents each family with an American flag flown over the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and the U.S. Capitol, a badge, and a rose.