On the last Sunday of September, firefighters, families and community members from across Minnesota gather at the State Capitol to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. The 2026 Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service, which took place on Sunday, Sept. 27, honored the 255 men and women who have died in the line of duty.
The solemn ceremony takes place at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial, located on the south side of the Capitol grounds. Columns throughout the memorial are inscribed with the names of Minnesota’s fallen firefighters, and this year, two additional columns were unveiled honoring firefighter Tim Bertz of the St. Paul Fire Department, who died Dec. 22, 2025, and Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson of the Minnetonka Fire Department, who died March 5, 2026.
In the reading of the honor roll, a ceremonial bell rings out after each fallen firefighter’s name is read aloud. Portions of the honor roll were read by Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) leaders including Secretary Ken Bence and Board Member Jen Elleraas. MnFIRE President Mike Dobesh and Board Member Scott Vadnais also participated in the ceremony. Rochelle Hawthorne, MnFIRE Peer Support Program Manager and retired firefighter/EMT, took part in the Honor Guard.
This year’s service also included special remembrances for Michael Wiborg of the Chanhassen Fire Department, who died in 1998; William Myers of the St. Anthony Fire Department, who died in 1999; Matthew Frantz of the Rice Lake Fire Department, who died in 2013; and Jeffrey Vollmer of the Mayer Fire Department, who died in 2017.
The Minnesota Fire Service Foundation coordinates the effort to recognize fallen firefighters. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and join firefighters, families and community leaders in paying tribute to our fallen heroes.
