Washington officials honor eight fallen firefighters at Capitol memorial

Washington state leaders, firefighters and family members gathered on the Capitol Campus in June 2025 to honor eight firefighters who died in the line of duty, place a memorial wreath and pledge renewed support for those who fight wildfires.

Gov. Bob Ferguson, Washington State Patrol Chief John Battiste and Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Updegrove placed the wreath and led the ceremony, which included the playing of the national anthem, an invocation, the reading of eight names and the tolling of bells to mark the end of duty.

"When you add up their cumulative service as firefighters, it totals nearly 2 centuries of service to the people of our state," Gov. Bob Ferguson said during his keynote remarks, offering condolences to families and recalling the everyday ways firefighters shape communities.

The moderator outlined the ceremony’s traditions and history, noting that memorial ribbons have been hung on the memorial pipe pole since 2001 and that 112 ribbons now bear the names of fallen firefighters. The moderator read each name, department and last-alarm date for the eight being honored this year and identified the family members who hung the ribbons.

Chaplain Gorman delivered the invocation and a firefighter prayer, and the honor guard executed formal commands and a procession to present arms. After the names were read, attendants observed a moment of silence and the ceremony included the playing of taps and a 21-bell toll.

Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Updegrove recounted the service and life of wildland firefighter pilot James Maxwell, who was described at the ceremony as a long-serving pilot who died responding to an emergency during an intense fire season. "He took to the air without hesitation to support the firefighters on the ground and to save lives and property," Updegrove said, and urged continued efforts to protect crews and advance the permanent memorial planned for the Capitol grounds.

The memorial concluded with retiring of the colors and thanks to the families and organizations that helped organize the service. Gov. Ferguson invited families to meet him at the fire bell after the ceremony.