(Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) A bell was rung as the newly added name of Capt. Jeffrey Whitcomb to the N.H. Fallen Firefighters Memorial was unveiled at left during Saturday's 16th annual ceremony.

CONCORD – Firefighters, family and friends gathered in Concord over the weekend at the New Hampshire Fallen Firefighters Memorial’s 16th annual ceremony.

The ceremony reflects and honors the 92 New Hampshire firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty serving their communities.

They regularly put the lives of others before theirs, and are committed to saving lives. Firefighters in New Hampshire respond to more than 450,000 fire and EMS calls each year, providing service to over 1.3 million people.

Jeffrey Whitcomb a former Littleton fire captain and senior instructor at the Fire Academy was added to the memorial this year. Capt. Whitcomb died in the line of duty in October 2021 in a training accident.

“Jeff dedicated over 25 years to the New Hampshire fire service,” state Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said during the speaking program. “And I think it’s important to recognize him and his family for their contributions,” he added.

(Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) A granite marker, one of several that surround the New Hampshire Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Concord, bears the names of firefighters who died in the line of duty between 1886 and 1947.

Carlene Whitcomb, Jeff’s widow, and Emma, their daughter, said the ceremony was “absolutely lovely.” Carlene Whitcomb said she and Emma were “so honored to have been here and (see) the respect shown to my husband. We’re just thrilled.”

“The fire service has been very very good to us,” added Emma.

The memorial was created and dedicated in September 2006. Recently a team of volunteers, and local companies made significant upgrades to the memorial that needed repairs.

–JEFFREY HASTINGS

(Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) State Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn addresses the gathering at Saturday's 16th annual ceremony at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Concord. ©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news

On September 24, 2022 firefighters, dignitaries, and family members gathered in Concord for the annual remembrance of the firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice. ©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news

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