Fallen Firefighters To Be Honored At Vernon's Fox Hill Tower

VERNON, CT — Fox Hill Tower in Henry Park will be illuminated in red light Thursday night to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Vernon fire stations will also be

illuminated with red light as the Town of Vernon Fire Department observes the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's Light the Night event.

"Firefighters do so much for our community day-in and day-out, especially our volunteer firefighters here in Vernon," Mayor Daniel Champagne said. "Each time they answer a call, they are placing their lives on the line. It’s important to recognize that commitment and to remember those firefighters our nation has lost in the line of duty."

Vernon Fire Chief Steve Eppler approached Mayor Champagne and Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro about a plan to illuminate fire stations with red light to honor fallen firefighters. That discussion led to including the landmark Fox Hill Tower in the Light the Night event.

"Firefighters face inherent dangers and risks every day as they work to protect lives and their communities," Purcaro said. "We will always honor them for what they do, and never forget those who have given their lives in the service of others. They are heroes.”

Vernon has not lost a firefighter in the line of duty, Eppler said.

“And we work hard to make what can be difficult and dangerous work as safe as possible. Everything we do in terms of training and response protocols is geared toward firefighter safety," he added.