312th TRS remembers fallen firefighter Published May 11, 2016 By Airman 1st Class Randall Moose 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 312th Training Squadron held a memorial service at the Department of Defense Fallen Firefighter Memorial for a deceased firefighter May 6. Capt. James Hicks, Charlotte Air National Guard Base, N.C., firefighter, lost his life July 26, 2015. “This is a very emotional ceremony every year,” said Michael Robertson, 316th Training Squadron training manager. “To stand out here and hear the bells ringing, hear the bagpipes playing. The background is very heart wrenching.” The ceremony included a moment of silence, a wreath laying and words spoken in remembrance of the fallen firefighters. “I respect all firefighters, and he will not give his life in vain,” said retired Maj. Gen. James McCarthy former civil engineer, U.S. Air Force Headquarters. “We will prevail as the United States of America and we will not dishonor him with quitting. In fact, his memory inspires us.” The DOD Fallen Firefighter Memorial consists of a rock and plaque, listing the names of DOD firefighters who have lost their lives, now including Hicks’ name.
