Story and photos by Becky Robinette Wright

The 14th annual Virginia Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service was held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at the Richmond Raceway Complex Old Dominion Building. Seven firefighters who died in the line of duty or have been recognized by the Virginia Line of Duty Act in the last year will be honored for their bravery and dedicated public service.

The fallen firefighters honored were Assistant Chief Carl Persing of Dale City Volunteer Fire Department and City of Manassas, Firefighter Timothy Pigg of Amherst Volunteer Fire Department, Chief Posey Dillon of Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department, Firefighter William “Danny” Altice of Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department, Firefighter William Harold “Hal” Clark of Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, Battalion Chief William Obenchain Jr. of Roanoke Fire-EMS, and Firefighter Zygimantas Zalys of City of Manassas.

A special tribute took place to K9s who have served the Commonwealth in public safety efforts and have died in the past year.

The program included- Dr. Kirby Kiefer speaking who is Acting Superintendent of the National Fire Academy, a Virginia Fire Services Honor Guard procession featuring the Saint Andrew’s Legion Pipes and Drums, a special 9/11 tribute musical performance by the Tussing Elementary School Choir, and a fire apparatus display from fire departments across the state. State flags were presented to the families of the fallen firefighters.

A reception, sponsored by the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Virginia State Firefighters Association, Virginia Professional Firefighters, and Southwest Virginia Firefighters Association, was held for fallen firefighter family members and guests immediately following the service.