2023 Seattle Fallen Firefighter Memorial – Fire Line

SEATTLE – Members of the media and public are invited to join the Seattle Fire Department in honoring all Seattle firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The annual Seattle Fallen Firefighter Memorial will take place from 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023, in Occidental Park (117 S. Washington St.). 

Rich in firefighter tradition, the ceremony will begin with the presentation of colors by the Walter Kilgore Memorial Honor Guard, followed by a performance by the Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums band. Speakers will include Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, union leaders Lt. Kenny Stuart and Battalion Chief Dan Murray, and Seattle Fire Chief Harold D. Scoggins. 

This year, the city will remember the service of two Seattle firefighters who died in the line of duty: Firefighter Matt Runte (Engine 25, Station 25) and Firefighter Michele Williams (Ladder 3, Station 6). Their names will be engraved on the granite columns flanking the four bronze statues at the firefighter memorial located in Occidental Park.  

Seattle’s service coincides with the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation’s memorial weekend at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Later in the evening, Seattle Fire will participate in the national “Light the Night” to remember all of the nation’s fallen firefighters. Seattle Fire apparatus will pull out front of their station to flash their lights continuously between 8-8:15 p.m. Please note: Stations who are on an emergency response may not be in quarters to participate.  

Community members are invited to show their support for firefighters by visiting their neighborhood station to observe the remembrance or change out an exterior light with a red bulb for the evening.  

Media should RSVP for either events by sending an email to [email protected]. The public information officer can recommend a fire station to visit in the evening hours that houses several apparatus.