TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— Tuesday evening, the Terre Haute Fire Department honored its own during the annual Fallen Heroes Ceremony at the Terre Haute Convention Center.
Firefighters from across Vigo County gathered to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The ceremony included the presentation of colors, a reading of names, and the traditional ringing of the bell.
Today also marks the 23rd anniversary of the death of Captain Ralph Stott. His cousin, Captain Brad Stott, Chief of the Otter Creek Fire Department, delivered a heartfelt speech in his memory.
“We never forget our fallen. The fire department is one big family. So, even in retirements or unfortunately sometimes even in death we want to insure that to the family members that their firefighter is not forgotten and that we love to honor their legacy,” Captain Public Information Officer Nick Arnold said.
- Firefighter Martin Laffey. Age 26. Last Alarm: August 28, 1883
- Firefighter Daniel Roper. Age 41. Last Alarm: July 26, 1897
- Captain John Osterloo. Age 37. Last Alarm: December 28, 1898
- Firefighter John Boland. Age 40. Last Alarm: January 11, 1917
- Firefighter Abraham Brown. Age 38. Last Alarm: April 5, 1921
- Firefighter William Sholten. Age 32. Last Alarm: June 10, 1921
- Firefighter Remus Hicks. Age 48. Last Alarm: January 18, 1935
- Captain Robert Day. Age 53. Last Alarm: June 30, 1935
- Captain John Blunk. Age 46. Last Alarm: February 25, 1936
- Firefighter Olie Reed. Age 55. Last Alarm: November 1, 1945
- Captain Richard Gray. Age 55. Last Alarm: June 21, 1951
- Captain John O’Brien. Age 44. Last Alarm: February 17, 1963
- Firefighter David Barter. Age 58. Last Alarm: June 18, 1994
- Captain Ralph Stott. Age 50. Last Alarm: September 30, 2002
- Firefighter John Schoffstall. Age 41. Last Alarm: April 12, 2020
- District Chief Dave Phelps. Age 74. Last Alarm: November 2, 2023
