VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Beach Fire Department urges everyone to participate in the "Light the Night" initiative for firefighters who've died in the line of duty.
It's a way not only to honor the fallen heroes but their families, too.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation spearheads the nationwide campaign. Virginia Beach always participates, however, Asst. Fire Chief Lorna Trent told 13News Now this is the first year they’re making an extra push, encouraging people in the wider community to join in.
"Day in, day out, the men and women, they risk their life, they go out, they sacrifice," said Asst. Chief Trent.
To honor members of the fire service who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice, business owners and homeowners are encouraged to illuminate their buildings or homes in red. Asst. Chief Trent suggests using bulbs, spotlights, string lights, rope lights, or even holiday lights to “Light the Night” red.
The initiative starts May 1 and ends May 5. The whole mission is to pay tribute to fallen firefighters and their families.
"That we all are one and that they do have support," Asst. Chief Trent said. "Just being able to visually see that as you drive down the road and know all of these people are thinking about you and your community in your moment of need."
This year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s memorial service in Maryland will also recognize Virginia Beach Fire Captain Matthew "Chevy" Chiaverotti.
"His family and a large contingent of our department will be up in Emmitsburg to honor him," said Asst. Chief Trent.
Capt. Chiaverotti died after a hard-fought battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer. He’s one of the firefighters who spent hours responding to the 2012 military jet crash known as the "Good Friday Miracle."
No one can say for sure whether that caused his illness, but hazardous toxins filled the air and the ground on that day.
"[Capt. Chiaverotti] was generous, he was kind, he was a good leader, always training, always pushing. Live life at a 10 was his motto, and he absolutely lived it every day of his life, mentorship and instilling that into our new firefighters," Asst. Chief Trent said.
Among the Virginia Beach buildings that will light up in red are:
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Bldg. 30 – Municipal Center
- Virginia Beach Convention Center (Tower)
- Virginia Beach Fire Station 10 - Woodstock
- Harry E. Diezel Fire Training Center (Memorial)