WHEREAS, The California Firefighters Memorial, located on the grounds of the State Capitol, serves to honor and commemorate California firefighters who unwaveringly serve our great state with pride, courage, and honor; and

WHEREAS, The California Firefighters Memorial is also a symbol of gratitude and appreciation to the men and women of the fire service who put their lives on the line each day to protect the people, property, and beauty of California; and

WHEREAS, Each of the over 1,400 names engraved on the brushed limestone walls of the California Firefighters Memorial serves as a timeless tribute to the finest and bravest of our state who have made the ultimate sacrifice as firefighters; and

WHEREAS, The California Firefighters Memorial is the only state monument capturing the names in perpetuity of those courageous firefighters in California who have put service to our great State of California above all else; and

WHEREAS, Many of the fallen firefighters whose names adorn the California Firefighters Memorial died either under tragic, traumatic circumstances or suffered and ultimately succumbed to job-caused diseases, such as occupational cancer, as a result of the hazardous nature of their work, including routine exposure to toxins; and

WHEREAS, This year firefighters are facing the life threatening COVID-19 pandemic where they have again demonstrated their commitment to service above self in the face of increased health and safety risks for themselves and their families; and

WHEREAS, On September 26, 2020, hundreds of firefighters and their families, along with their fellow Californians, will honor the fallen in a moment of tribute for the 18th Annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony honoring the men and women of the fire service who have selflessly given their lives to protect California; now, therefore, be it