On April 15, the Congressional Fire Services Caucus continued its annual tribute to fallen firefighters by presenting 204 American flags – each previously flown over the U.S. Capitol – to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). Every flag represents a firefighter included in the 2026 Roll of Honor, recognizing 97 individuals who died in the line of duty in 2025, along with 107 others from earlier years. The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) is proud to assist NFFF with this powerful ceremony to show support and gratitude to the families of those firefighters that have given everything.
This year’s flag ceremony featured four of the eight Fire Caucus Co-Chairs: Congressman Mike Bost, Chairman of the Caucus, Congressman Steny Hoyer, Senator Gary Peters, and Senator Amy Klobuchar. House of Representatives Chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben gave the invocation and benediction, and in a moving moment, Sabrail Davenport – whose son, firefighter Jared Lloyd, died in the line of duty – led those gathered in the Pledge of Allegiance. Several fire service leaders were also in attendance at the event, including Assistant Chief Anthony Kelleher of the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department and Chief Donna Black of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. CFSI’s Executive Director Michaela Campbell was honored to serve as the Master of Ceremonies for this solemn occasion.
The Congressional Flag Presentation Ceremony is the first step in transmitting the flags from Capitol Hill to Emmitsburg, Maryland, where they will be presented to the family of fallen firefighters during the 45th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Each flag stands as a lasting reminder of bravery, commitment, and sacrifice.
