The Memorial Weekend will honor firefighters, including Tony Ray Garrison, who died during Hurricane Helene.
FAIRVIEW, N.C. — A North Carolina firefighter who died during Hurricane Helene will be honored during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
This year’s national tribute will honor 70 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2024 and 70 firefighters who died in previous years.
Among the honorees is Battalion Chief Tony Ray Garrison of the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, who died in the line of duty on Sept. 27, 2024, during Hurricane Helene.
Garrison, who also served with the Garren Creek Fire Department, was one of 13 people who died in the Garren Creek community in Fairview. Authorities reported that Garrison’s nephew, Brandon Ruppe, died alongside him while they were attempting to help their neighbors during a devastating mudslide. The other 11 victims were members of the Craig family.
The Memorial Weekend will feature two public events at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park on the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center.
The Candlelight Service on May 3 at 7:30 pm ET will be hosted by Fire Captain Garon Mosby of the St. Louis Fire Department, and the Memorial Service on May 4 at 10:00 am ET will be hosted by actor Jeremy Holm. Both events will be live-streamed on the NFFF’s website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page.
“This weekend is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage and commitment of those who put their lives on the line to protect others,” said Troy Markel, Chair of the NFFF Board of Directors. “We come together not only to remember the fallen but to stand in solidarity with their families and departments, letting them know their loved ones will never be forgotten.”
Garrison’s sacrifice, along with the sacrifices of the other honored firefighters, will be commemorated during this weekend.
