Names of Two Minnesota Firefighters Added to National Fallen Firefighters Memorial

(KNSI) — The names of two Minnesota firefighters will be inscribed in bronze into the National Firefighters’ Memorial in Maryland this weekend.

Sixty-three-year-old firefighter Ryan Erickson was killed on May 1st, 2022, while he was on weather watch for the department. Severe storms were headed to the Blomkest area, and as he was leaving his farm, a gust of wind lifted a grain bin from its foundation, sending it flying. The bin landed on Erickson’s truck.

Hopkins Firefighter Assistant Chief James Scanlon died after responding to a fire alarm at an apartment complex on November 4th, 2022. Scanlon went into cardiac arrest less than 24 hours later and was rushed to the hospital, where he died.

Their names join 77 others who died in the line of duty last year and 65 others who died in previous years.

The National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service is on May 6th at 6:30 p.m. CDT and will be hosted by Fire Captain Garon Mosby of the St. Louis Fire Department. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is on May 7th at 10:00 a.m. CDT and will be hosted by journalist Hillary Howard.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will live stream both events on the NFFF’s website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page.

The public can also pay tribute by participating in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters May 4th through the 7th by lighting their homes, businesses, landmarks, or fire departments with red lights. Other ways to remember these firefighters include signing the virtual Remembrance Banner.

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