Vernon Tower To Turn Red Again For Fallen Firefighters

VERNON, CT — Fox Hill Tower in Vernon’s Henry Park will be illuminated in red light from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Vernon fire stations will also be illuminated with red light as the Vernon Fire Department observes the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Light the Night event.

It's the second. straight year Vernon is illuminating the tower.

"As we see on a daily basis, our volunteer firefighters are always there when we call and do so much for our
community," 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.”

Last year, Vernon Fire Chief Steve Eppler approached 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 and pay tribute to their everyday heroic work. That discussion led to including the landmark Fox Hill
Tower in the Light the Night event.

"This year in Connecticut we mourned firefighters who gave their last full measure," Purcaro said. "We
must always honor our firefighters for what they do, and never forget those who have given their lives in service of
others."

"We work very hard to make what can be dangerous work as safe as possible," Eppler said. "Everything we do
in terms of training and the way we respond to calls is geared toward keeping our firefighters safe."

Each October the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD,
marks Firefighter Memorial Day weekend with a memorial service, the Light the Night event and other activities.

"It’s a way to remember and recognize those who have given the ultimate sacrifice," Eppler said.

Fox Hill Tower is formally known as the War Memorial Tower and it sits at the summit of Fox Hill. It was modeled after a 1,500-year-old tower near Poitiers, France, and built between 1937 and 1939 with Works Progress Administration and local funds. The 72-foot tower is also the centerpiece of Vernon's town seal.