Fallen Archives

Local Community Honors Fallen Harris County Sheriff Deputy Killed in Attempted Catalytic Converter Theft Intervention

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Two years have passed since Deputy Darren Almendarez of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office was tragically shot and killed while off duty in an attempt to stop thieves from stealing his truck’s catalytic converter. Over the weekend, the community came together to pay tribute to the dedicated deputy, who had served the community for 23 years. Deputy Almendarez and his wife were leaving a grocery store when he noticed three individuals …

South Omaha’s Biker Community Honors Fallen Brother with Memorial Ride and Calls for Justice

South Omaha, Nebraska – The biker community in South Omaha came together to commemorate their brother Gary Mangiameli, who tragically passed away one year ago after being hit and killed. Mangiameli’s loved ones, including his son Dominick and daughter Marisa, reflected on the pain of his loss and the void left in their lives. Despite the passage of time, the absence of Mangiameli, a beloved figure to his children and grandchildren, remains a heartbreaking reality. …

Community unites at local Irish pub to support injured firefighters and fallen hero

Great Falls, Virginia – Local firefighters and community members gathered on Thursday at the Old Brogue Irish Pub to show their support for Trevor Brown, the firefighter who tragically lost his life in a home explosion in Sterling. The event aimed to raise funds not only for Brown’s family but also for the families of other injured firefighters who bravely respond to emergencies every day. Attendees at the fundraiser had the opportunity to donate to …

Community gathers to honor fallen miners of the Willow Grove Mine explosion

Belmont County, Ohio – Seventy-two miners tragically lost their lives in the Willow Grove Mine explosion on March 16, 1940. Decades later, a memorial stone, statue, and bell now stand in Willow Grove to honor the fallen men and the families affected by this devastating event. Commemorating the miners who perished, Michael Payton, District 31 Vice President, emphasized the importance of never forgetting what transpired. The risks miners face in providing for their families and …

Community Honors Fallen Volunteer Firefighter Trevor Brown with Heartfelt Celebration

LEESBURG, VA – A community came together at Cornerstone Chapel to honor the life of volunteer firefighter Trevor Brown, who tragically lost his life in a devastating home explosion that also injured 13 others on February 16. Leaving behind a wife, Laura, and three children, Brown was remembered not just for his heroic sacrifice but for the impact he had on those around him. During the ceremony on Monday, the focus was on celebrating Brown’s …

Memorial Service to Honor Fallen Burnsville First Responders Scheduled for Wednesday Morning

Burnsville, Minnesota – The community of Burnsville is preparing to honor the police officers and first responder who tragically lost their lives in a shooting earlier this month. The public memorial service for the fallen heroes, Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, along with paramedic Adam Finseth, is scheduled for Wednesday morning. The shooter, identified as Shannon Gooden, also died by suicide according to authorities. The memorial service will be held at Grace Church in Eden …

Wife of Fallen First Responder Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Husband’s Life

Burnsville, Minnesota – The wife of Paul Elmstrand, one of three first responders tragically killed in a shooting incident on Sunday, has shared a heartfelt statement about her late husband’s passing. In a press release issued by the City of Burnsville on behalf of Cindy Elmstrand-Castruita, she expressed the profound grief and loss felt by their family. Describing Paul as an extraordinary husband, father, son, and friend, Cindy emphasized his loving and generous nature. She …

D.C. Firefighters Burn Foundation Steps Up to Support Families of Injured and Fallen First Responders After Sterling, Virginia Home Explosion

STERLING, Virginia – A tragic home explosion in Sterling, Virginia, resulted in the death of a firefighter and the hospitalization of four others. The incident prompted the D.C. Firefighters Burn Foundation to step in and provide support for the injured first responders and their families. On February 16, 11 firefighters were injured when a home on Silver Ridge Drive exploded. The explosion occurred after crews responded to reports of a strong odor and discovered a …

Virginia Governor and President Biden Offer Condolences to Family of Fallen Loudoun County Firefighter

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and President Joe Biden reached out to the family of fallen Loudoun County firefighter Trevor Brown this week, offering their heartfelt sympathies after the tragic incident last Friday. Brown, a 45-year-old volunteer firefighter, lost his life while investigating a leaking underground propane tank that eventually exploded, injuring ten other firefighters and two residents of the Sterling home. During a Loudoun County Board of Supervisors meeting, it was …

Family of Fallen Firefighter Killed in Sterling Home Explosion Invited to White House Following Tragic Incident

Washington, D.C. (AP) — The family of fallen firefighter Trevor Brown, who tragically lost his life in a house explosion in Sterling, Virginia, has been invited to the White House. Brown, a 45-year-old volunteer firefighter with the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, was killed while investigating a leaking underground propane tank that eventually exploded, leaving ten other firefighters and two residents injured. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and President Joe Biden personally reached out to Brown’s …