Brownsville hosting firefighters’ convention

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

This week marks the 82nd and 83rd annual conventions for the Fayette County Firefighters Association, the first time ever the association has combined conventions for two years.

The double convention is being hosted by the two Brownsville fire departments, Brownsville No. 1 and the South Brownsville Volunteer Fire Company. While the week will be filled with firefighters’ competitions including bucket brigades, tug-of-war, hose lay competition and the battle of the barrels, it began on a somber note.

The 98th annual firefighters’ memorial service was held Sunday afternoon at the First Christian Church of Brownsville, recognizing the 44 firefighters from throughout Fayette County who passed away since the last convention two years ago. South Brownsville Fire Chief Ron Barry said recognizing fallen comrades is important to those in the fire service.

“It predates the convention. When a member passes, you have to do something to remember them,” Barry said. “The very first thing we do is remember the ones we’ve lost.

Barry said the list is long this year because it includes those who died in the 2019-20 convention period as well as 2020-21. Last year’s pandemic caused the convention to be canceled, something that didn’t happen even during World War II.

“Annually we honor our fallen brothers and sisters who have departed in the past year and honor the service they provided to their communities,” said Brownsville No. 1 Chief Jordan Sealy.

“It lets their families know that they weren’t forgotten,” Barry said.

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