JFRD honors 28 fallen firefighters, adds 2 names to memorial during annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) held its annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony on Thursday morning to honor 28 firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

This year’s ceremony included the addition of two names to the memorial: Engineer Ian Church and Engineer Jason Woodruff, both of whom died from job-related cancer.

The ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Donna Deegan and Director/Fire Chief Percy Golden II, a presentation by the JFRD Honor Guard, and the dedication of two new names on the memorial wall.

“Our hearts are heavy today because two more heroes are being added to the memorial wall,” Deegan said. “Jacksonville is, of course, forever grateful for them and for their service and for their family members.”