Two WV firefighters to be honored during Memorial Weekend

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — Two fallen West Virginia firefighters will be honored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) during its Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Firefighters Cody Mullens and Ronald “Ron” Strosnider, along with 224 others from across the nation, will be recognized for their service on May 4 and 5.

Mullens worked for the West Virginia Division of Forestry. He was killed while fighting a wildland fire in Fayette County on April 13, 2023, when he was hit by a falling tree at 28 years old. Strosnider, of the Capon Valley Volunteer Fire Department in Hardy County, became ill while responding to a medical emergency. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died of sinus bradycardia at age 75 on Oct. 23, 2023.

NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro discussed further what the weekend is all about.

“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,” Stagnaro said.

“We will always remember the bravery, commitment, and sacrifices of each of these 226 heroes — and their families.”

Two events will be open to the public during the weekend, along with other events exclusive to families and fire departments of honored firefighters. More information can be found on the NFFF website .

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