Nashville Firefighter Engineer Edward Tant and Firefighter Paramedic James Young II to Be Added to National Fallen Firefighters Memorial

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial will add Engineer Edward "Bubba" Tant and Firefighter Paramedic James "Jim" Young II of the Nashville Fire Department to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Their names will be added to the memorial to the during the 45th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, May 2-3, in Emmitsburg, Maryland. They will join 204 firefighters nationwide who have earned this honor.

Engineer Edward "Bubba" Tant a 33-year member of the NFD, died December 19, 2024, after a courageous battle with occupational cancer, a final chapter that only further revealed his resilience and unshakable faith.

Firefighter Paramedic James "Jim" Young II , a 28-year member of the NFD died December 14, 2023, after a courageous battle with occupational cancer, he was surrounded by the friends and family he loved so deeply. One of the final things he said to his wife was, "Promise me you will keep your faith."

"It is so important for us to remember the sacrifice our personnel make and also their families," Nashville Fire Department Director Chief William Swann said. "It is not an easy thing to lose one of our own, but now they will forever be honored on the national level for their service to our community and department."

The congressionally established National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland, serves as the nation's official monument honoring firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Newly honored firefighters are added to the memorial each year during Memorial Weekend. Hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), the annual Memorial Weekend brings hundreds of Fire Hero families, fire service leaders, government officials and supporters together for ceremonies of remembrance, reflection and national tribute.

"The loss of these 204 fallen firefighters is felt most deeply by the families and loved ones left behind. They were parents, partners, colleagues and friends who will forever be remembered for their bravery and their devotion to duty," said National Fallen Firefighters Foundation CEO Victor Stagnaro. "During the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, we will add their names to the National Memorial, ensuring they are remembered by a grateful nation."

This year's honorees, known as the Roll of Honor, include 97 lost in 2025 and 107 from previous years.

"For 45 years, this weekend has allowed us to collectively pause to reflect and remember those who always answered the call to protect our communities without hesitation," said Troy Markel, Chair of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors. "As we honor their lives, this moment is also about giving their families and departments our unwavering support. We stand tall beside them with gratitude and respect. Their Fire Hero will never be forgotten."

National Memorial Ceremonies

Two public ceremonies on the National Memorial grounds will be live streamed at weekend.firehero.org and on the NFFF's YouTube and Facebook channels:

• Candlelight Service: Saturday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (ET)
• Memorial Service: Sunday, May 3, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (ET)

Additionally, photos will be available on the NFFF's Flickr page shortly after Memorial Weekend.

A Nationwide Call to Participate

The public is invited to participate in the NFFF's annual Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters tribute. During Light the Night, prominent landmarks, businesses, firehouses, and residences in all 50 states will illuminate red in remembrance of fallen firefighters and in support of their families.

Additional ways to get involved include:

In addition to these public events, 2026 Memorial Weekend includes private programming for loved ones and departments of the honored firefighters, offering them dedicated spaces for reflection, support and connection to other Fire Hero families.

The public is encouraged to share photos and videos of their participation in the NFFF's remembrance initiatives via email at [email protected], and to use hashtags #FireHero2026 and #NFFF when posting on social media. Please visit weekend.firehero.org or visit NFFF's Instagram, Facebook and X for programming updates.

About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) was established by the United States Congress in 1992 to lead a national effort in honoring America's fallen firefighters. Since then, the Foundation has created powerful programs that pay lasting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while providing meaningful support to their families and colleagues. Through its close partnership with the fire service and its affiliate, the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE), the NFFF is also deeply committed to reducing firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries. To learn how you can support this important mission, visit firehero.org.