Virginia to Honor Eight Fallen Firefighters and EMS Heroes at State Memorial Service on June 6

RICHMOND, Va. — Firefighters, EMS professionals, families, and community leaders from across Virginia will gather on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for the 29th Annual Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service, a statewide tribute honoring eight first responders who gave their lives in the line of duty.

 

The memorial service will begin at noon at the Richmond International Raceway Complex, Main Exhibition Hall, and is open to the public.

 

Held in accordance with the Virginia Line of Duty Act, the ceremony serves as one of the Commonwealth’s most significant annual public safety events, ensuring that the courage, sacrifice, and service of Virginia’s fallen fire and EMS personnel are never forgotten.

 

The service will include honor guard processions, a statewide emergency apparatus display, musical tributes, ceremonial presentations, and a keynote address. Families of the fallen will be recognized during a moving tribute that draws fire and EMS personnel from every region of Virginia.

 

2026 Honorees:

 

Leonard J. Archer

Richmond Fire Department

 

William K. Carter

Newport News Fire Department

 

Jeremy L. Compton

Christiansburg Volunteer Fire Department

 

Christopher S. Jones

City of Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and

Emergency Services

 

Barry W. Maham, Jr.

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue

 

Robert E. Talbott

Chesterfield Fire & EMS

 

David A. Thurston

Abingdon Volunteer Fire & Rescue

 

Steve A. Weikle

Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue

 

Members of the public, elected officials, and public safety professionals are encouraged to attend and stand alongside the families whose loved ones gave everything in service to others. For those unable to attend in person, the memorial service will be livestreamed at www.vafire.com.