On September 16th, 59 firefighters from the U.S. and Canada were remembered with a memorial service in Colorado Springs, CO. The IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial added these 59 brave individuals who died in the line of duty over the last year. 22 firefighters from Massachusetts were honored, including Stoneham firefighter John Marshall. John actually passed away in 1977, but at the time, the memorial had only been established for a year and didn't have the communication resources that are available today. John was born on October 31, 1926 and was appointed to the Stoneham Fire Department as a call firefighter in July of 1944. John was then appointed as a permanent firefighter in March of 1952 and served until his death in 1977. John died from complications from a heart attack that was suffered on a response. A charter member of local 2116, he is survived by his wife Gertrude and his 5 children Anne M Olenio, John J. Marshall, Robert C. Marshall, Linda M. Kerrigan, and James G. Marshall. James is currently a firefigher on our department and travelled to Colorado to present his mother with the ceremonial flag. Firefigher Paul Courtenay was added to the wall last year and was the first member of the Stoneham Fire Department to be placed on the wall. Like all of our fallen brothers, John and Paul will not be forgotten and will hold a special place in our hearts. Your honor and dedication pave the way for all those who follow you. All photos of the memorial were provided by Jim Marshall.

The statue captures the firefigher's grief when a brother has answered the call for the last time.

The statue, "Somewhere-Everyday", captures a firefighter's last step of a successfull rescue while clutching a child in his arms. The beams of the ladder are unequal, which represents infinity. This is a tribute to the firefighters dedication and heroism.

Each member listed on the wall has their state and local number etched next to their name. John Marshall can be seen on the bottom.

Although it has been many years since John's passing, the emotion is very fresh as firefighter Jim Marshall presents his mother with the ceremonial flag.

Gertrude Marshall points to where her husband's name is immortally engraved.

The wall itself is similar to the Vietnam Memorial, where family and friends may trace over the names of their loved ones.