Jumpline MAG_Winter 2026 - Flipbook - Page 10
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1403 Of昀椀cers
Claudine Buzzo
Local 1403 Bene昀椀ts Of昀椀cer
On September 20, 2025, thousands of 昀椀re昀椀ghters,
their families, and union members from across North
America gathered in Colorado Springs to honor the
lives of our fallen brothers and sisters at the annual
IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial. Against the backdrop of
the iconic Memorial Wall, 311 IAFF members who made the ultimate
sacri昀椀ce between January 1 and December 31, 2024, were etched
into history—not as names alone, but as guardians of life, protectors
of community, and heroes whose devotion transcends time.
As the solemn sound of bagpipes 昀椀lled the mountain air and the
ceremonial bell tolled, each name was read aloud with reverence.
Families received folded IAFF 昀氀ags and red rose tributes,
representing not only loss but also enduring legacy. The spirit of
solidarity and collective grief was matched equally by pride, unity,
and the promise that their service will never be forgotten.
This year, our local delegation stood in quiet re昀氀ection as we paid
special tribute to four of our own who were enshrined during this
year’s ceremony: Alexander Acosta, James Hall, James L. Green,
and Patrice R. Jarrell.
These members were more than names on a wall—they were
colleagues, mentors, friends, and family. Each sacri昀椀ced in the line
of duty, leaving behind a legacy of courage, professionalism, and
unwavering commitment to serving others. As their names were
spoken, our Local stood shoulder to shoulder, re昀氀ecting not only
on their loss but on the profound impact they made in life and in
service.
The Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial is more than a
ceremony—it is a promise. A promise that every 昀椀re昀椀ghter
who gives everything in the service of others will be remembered
with dignity and respect. This gathering reminds us why we stand
proud as members of the IAFF: because we stand for each other,
we stand for families left behind, and we stand for the values of
bravery, honor, and sacri昀椀ce.
As we returned home, we did so with renewed purpose. The legacy
of Alexander, James, James L., and Patrice continues in how we
serve, how we protect, and how we support one another. Their
stories live in every alarm answered, every hand extended to
someone in need, and every moment we choose unity over division.
We remember. We honor. We continue the mission in their name.
Forever etched in stone. Forever in our hearts.
#IAFFStrong
Uniting in Remembrance:
2025 IAFF Fallen
Fire Fighter Memorial
Winter 2025 | JUMPLINE Magazine