The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation hosted its 43rd Memorial event in Emmitsburg, Maryland, last weekend. This year’s tribute honored 89 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2023, and 137 firefighters who had died in previous years, including one firefighter from Dorchester/Mattapan Engine 16 on Gallivan Boulevard.

Lt. Edward Bergdoll, 60, died on Oct. 26, 2022, due to complications of leukemia, deemed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to be a line of duty death via occupational cancer – one of the leading causes of death for firefighters. Bergdoll served on Engine 33 in the Back Bay and then for many years out of the Gallivan Boulevard station.

“National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to pause and reflect on the heroic efforts and selfless service of the fallen firefighters we are paying tribute to this year,” said the group’s CEO Victor Stagnaro. “We will always remember the bravery, commitment, and sacrifices of each of these 226 heroes—and their families.”