Bucks County Pauses to Honor Fallen Firefighters

At 10 a.m. sharp on Sunday morning, the ’s siren wailed loudly, cutting the crisp autumn air and trailing off into the distant drone of bagpipes.

Flags peeked from behind the bushes surrounding the courthouse lawn as 52 firefighters in full uniform processed solemnly up Broad Street for Bucks County’s eighth annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Families of 22 Bucks County firefighters killed in the line of duty over the past century joined in to commemorate their brave service to the community.

Silhouetted by a giant American flag hung from atop an engine ladder, Joseph Velten, president of the Bucks County Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association (FC & FFA), began the ceremony by enumerating the firefighters’ duties and honoring their camaraderie.

“They don't do it for themselves, but to help their fellow firefighters do what they came to do,” he said.

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick further elaborated by sharing with the crowd a message from Father Mychal Judge, former chaplain to the New York City Fire Department and one of the first victims to be pulled from the wreckage of the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001.

In a homily given just one day before the fateful attacks, Judge, who was a firefighter himself, told the men, “You do what God has called you to do. We love this job. We all do.”

That same spirit is what the community celebrates today by ringing bells for each of the 22 heroes, Fitzpatrick said.

The best way to memorialize their service, Fitzpatrick continued, is with the Oct. 22 opening of a new state-of-the-art Lower Bucks Fire and Public Safety School in Bristol, which will offer training space and technology for first responders across the county.

Joining Fitzpatrick were Bucks County Commissioners Diane Ellis-Marseglia, Robert Loughery and Chairman Charles Martin.

“It’s time for gratitude,” Martin said, thanking the emergency responders for fire safety – exhibited most recently in Thursday night's massive  – but also for rescuing people from floodwaters, cleaning up storm damage and comforting those in need.

Martin also paused to remember the 343 New York City firefighters who perished 10 years ago in the Sept. 11 attacks, the memories of whom “are still fresh and recognized all over Bucks County,” he said.

“It’s no war of heroes. Anyone who puts their life at risk is a hero,” Marseglia said, addressing a recent comment about local neglect of troops in the Middle East. “These [firefighters] are fighting battles too, and sometimes they lose.”

A poignant bagpipe rendition of "Amazing Grace" accompanied the laying of wreaths on the courtyard memorial as the firefighters saluted their fallen brethren.

A solemn silence settled over the crowd as Robert Hedden of the Bucks County FC & FFA read the Pennsylvania and Bucks County roles of honor while Bucks County Fire Marshal Nicholas Rafferty tolled a bell for each name.

“Families, this ceremony is for you,” Hedden said.

As the bagpipers marched out, firefighters, widows, children and friends were invited to place white carnations atop the memorial.

Eileen P. Devery of Hilltown stood nearby, quietly remembering her late husband Fred Mayberry, who died in the line of duty 28 years ago – almost to the day – while serving the Silverdale Fire Company.

“It’s nice to honor them. The service doesn’t pertain to their deaths, but more about their time living,” she said, through teary eyes. “The selflessness – that’s what I see.”