Designates first Sunday in May of each year as "Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Day."

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carmen Amato and 1 co-sponsor

Designates the first Sunday in May as Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Day to honor firefighters who died in the line of duty and encourage flag observances.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee

#commemoratio #firefighters

SJR 166 – Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Day

Overview

SJR 166 is a joint resolution introduced in the New Jersey Senate on June 23, 2025. It designates the first Sunday in May of each year as "Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Day" in New Jersey. The resolution emphasizes honoring volunteer and career firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty and aligns New Jersey with the national observance on the same day.

Purpose and Intent

To recognize and honor the sacrifices of New Jersey’s firefighters, both volunteer and career.

To establish a yearly state observance that parallels National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Day observed nationally each year.

Key Provisions

Designation

The first Sunday in May of each year is designated in New Jersey as "Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Day."

Governor’s Proclamation

The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling on public officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.

Flag Observance (non-binding guidance)

All state and local government agencies are urged to fly the United States flag and the New Jersey State flag at half-staff in honor of fallen firefighters who died in the line of duty.

Effective Date

The joint resolution takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Background It Provides

Firefighting in New Jersey involves over 35,000 men and women (volunteer and career).

Between 1990 and 2024, approximately 145 on-duty firefighter fatalities were reported in New Jersey.

The designation mirrors the national practice observed on National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Day, when federal buildings display half-staff flags.

Affected Parties

Firefighters: both volunteer and career personnel who sacrifice in the line of duty.

State and local government agencies: encouraged to observe the day and display flags at half-staff.

The Governor: responsible for issuing an annual proclamation.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

Status: Introduced in the Senate; referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.

Introduced date: June 23, 2025.

Related legislation: AJR 228 is noted as a companion bill.

As a joint resolution, the measure is ceremonial in nature and does not establish new funding or broad regulatory changes.

Potential Impact

Increases public awareness and remembrance of firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Encourages ceremonial observances and educational activities within communities.

Creates a formal annual reminder for government agencies to recognize firefighter sacrifices, primarily through proclamations and flag-raising practices.