Fox Hill Tower Going Red Thursday In Honor Of Fallen Firefighters

VERNON, CT — In what has become an annual tradition in Vernon, Fox Hill Tower in Henry Park and all local fire houses will be illuminated in red Thursday evening to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

The annual Light the Night event is organized by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. May 6 to 7 is National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

"Every day Vernon's volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line to answer calls and keep our community safe," Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said. "It is important to recognize the commitment of our firefighters, and to remember those our nation has lost in the line of
duty."

This year marks the fourth in Vernon for the Light the Night observance. Parks and Recreation crews will illuminate Fox Hill Tower and firefighters have placed red lights at fire stations.

"Firefighters know that when they answer a call, even one that seems relatively routine, there is a risk," Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said. "We will always honor those who have lost their lives in the service of others. They truly are heroes."

Fire Chief Stephen Eppler said Vernon has not lost a firefighter in the line of duty, a record for which the department is proud.

"The work we do can be difficult and dangerous," he said. "We work hard so that our
people are well-trained, and we approach each incident with the safety of everyone at the forefront."

Nationally, a total of 79 nine firefighters died in the line of duty in 2022 and there have been 27 deaths so far in 2023. Light the Night is typically held in October but was moved ahead this year. Several landmarks around the nation are expected to be illuminated in red Thursday night as part of the observance, including the One World Trade Center plaza in New York and the Willis Tower in Chicago.