WHEREAS the week of October 1-7, 2018 has been designated as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Week to honor firefighters and emergency services personnel who have sacrificed their lives to save others and 

WHEREAS, every October, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation sponsors this memorial week as an official national tribute to those firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty the previous year.  This year's weekend memorial will be held October 6-7 in Emmitsburg, Maryland, at the National Firefighters Memorial with special activities and group sessions, culminating with a Sunday morning memorial service.  Thousands attend the programs and services annually; and

WHEREAS, the Westmoreland County Courthouse dome will be illuminated red to honor fallen firefighters and emergency services personnel in our local community in support and comfort to the families being honored and whose loved one is being remembered; and

WHEREAS, an average of 80 firefighters courageously make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty every year.  Firefighters and emergency services personnel play an essential role in the protection of lives and property.  The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service marks the beginning of the annual Fire Prevention Week observance.  It is of major importance that we increase our efforts to reduce deaths, injuries and property losses from fire.

THEREFORE, we, the Commissioners of Westmoreland County, Gina Cerilli, Ted Kopas and Charles W Anderson, do hereby recognize the week of October 1-7, 2018 as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Week in Westmoreland County.  We encourage all citizens of the county to remember fire and emergency personnel and to pay respects to our fallen heroes.