Local hero will be honored at National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Lieutenant Charles “Buddy” Freeman II, age 40, of the Montgomery County Fire Department Emergency Services District #2, died on September 29, 2024, from complications of his response to a hazardous materials incident at a residential structure.

This May, he and 139 other firefighters – including five others in Texas – who perished in the line of duty will be honored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, who will host the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on May 3 - 4, 2025 in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year’s national tribute will honor 70 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2024 and 70 firefighters who died in previous years.

“This weekend is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage and commitment of those who put their lives on the line to protect others,” said Troy Markel, Chair of the NFFF Board of Directors. “We come together not only to remember the fallen, but to stand in solidarity with their families and departments, letting them know their loved ones will never be forgotten.

The other Texas firefighters who will be honored are Firefighter/Paramedic G. Wade Cannon of the Flower Mound Fire Department, Firefighter Marcelo "Ox" Garcia III of the Houston Fire Department, Assistant Chief Scott Glass of Perryton Fire and EMS, Safety Officer Dan Potts of the City of Whitney Fire & Rescue, and Chief Zebulin Earl "Zeb" Smith of the Fritch Volunteer Fire Department.

“Each of these 140 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others – a profound sacrifice that defines true heroism,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF. “Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to come together to honor their bravery, to stand beside their families, and ensure their legacy lives on in every community they so selflessly served.”