SOUTH KINGSTOWN — Chief Steven Pinch on behalf of the Union Fire District of South Kingstown, and Chief Thomas Reed on behalf of the Kingston Fire District, invite the public to the annual Firefighters Memorial Service this coming weekend.
WHEN
Sunday, Sept. 25, starting at noon
WHERE
South Kingstown Firefighters Memorial Square, at Columbia Street and Kingstown Road, South Kingstown
WHO
- Members of the Union Fire District of South Kingstown
- Members of the Kingston Fire District
- Honored guests, including State Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski
- Members of the South Kingstown Town Council
WHAT
The event will pay tribute to local firefighters who have died in the line of duty, including William E. Gray (Feb. 14, 1967), Byron H. Love (April 28, 1968), and Allan P. LePage (June 30, 2009). Those in attendance will take a moment to thank all local firefighters for their continued efforts to keep the community safe.
The service will open with a welcome address from Chief Pinch, and an invocation from Rev. Wallace Hazard.
Taps will be performed by members of the South Kingstown High School band. The raising of the American flag to half staff will be conducted by Deputy Chief Tony Cinquegrana and Firefighter Dan Nolan.
A memorial address will be given by Chief Reed. The Fireman’s Prayer will be read by Deputy Chief Erik Brierley.
A wreath-placing will then be performed by members of the Gray, Love, and LePage families, assisted by Chief Reed and Deputy Chief Brierley.
Rev. Hazard will then give a benediction, followed by closing remarks from Chief Pinch.
Arms will be presented and ordered with the assistance of Deputy Chief Cinquegrana.
The St. Edmund’s Pipes and Drums band will also take part in the service, and plants will be provided by Palisades Industries.
Residents should note that there will not be a parade as part of this year’s Firefighters Memorial Service.
“We look forward to honoring all of our members and paying respects to those we have lost as part of this service,” Chief Pinch said. “We thank our community partners for assisting us, and all of our past members who continue to offer their support.”
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