Firefighters and family members from all over the United States gathered recently in Gettysburg, Penn., to honor those who died in the line of duty in 2012 for the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
More than 5,000 people, including firefighters from Bryan County, made the trip to participate or just attend in the memorial weekend.
Bryan County Emergency Services Fire Chief Freddy Howell has been attending for the past nine years as Higbee the Clown. Higbee is the boss clown for the weekend and is charge of all the other clowns’ activities.
These firefighter clowns put on their funny faces and costumes and participate in welcoming the family members and bringing some fun and laughter during the registration and family dinner on Friday. On Saturday, they spend the day playing numerous games and activities with the children as the adults attend sessions to help them through the loss of a loved one.
Meanwhile, other Bryan County firefighters attended the memorial service for fallen firefighters hosted by the Chatham County Fire Chief’s Association in downtown Savannah.