This past weekend members of the Tarrytown Fire Department participated in the ceremonies honoring John P. Kelly at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The names of 72 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2010, including John Kelly of Conqueror Hook and Ladder, and 17 firefighters who died in previous years, were added to a memorial on a bronze plaque.  

The 30th annual National Fallen Firefighters Foundation memorial event honored 10 New York firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2010 and in previous years. According to statistics on the NFFF website, 27 states experienced line-of-duty deaths in 2010. Illinois had the nation's greatest number of firefighter line-of-duty deaths in 2010 with 8, while New York and Pennsylvania ranked next at 7.

Firefighter Kelly, age 51, died after being overcome by fumes during a confined space rescue in sewer drain September 6, 2010.

Ceremonies started last Thursday at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery and ended in a folded flag presentation to families on Sunday.  

"Firefighters are called upon to face danger on a daily basis," said Chairman of the NFFF Board of Directors, Chief Dennis Compton. "In October, a grateful Nation will honor their dedication and remember their sacrifice. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend brings their loved ones and the fire service together to let their families, coworkers, and friends know that they will never be forgotten."