Five Washington firefighters earlier this month took part in a national ceremony that honored firefighters from around the country who died in the line of duty.

Washington Volunteer Fire Company members Terry Sullentrup, Capt. Larry Schmitt, Al Lampe, Rich Eaton and Justin Fuse traveled to the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md., for the 30th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial services, which took place Oct. 15-16.

This year’s event marked the fifth time that Sullentrup has attended the event. This was the first time for Schmitt, Lampe and Eaton.

Fuse attended the services last year and said he felt so moved by the ceremony that he wanted to return this year and used his own funds to do so.

Sullentrup said each year, department officials try to send different firefighters to the event so all of them can experience it.

Since 2007, 22 members of the Washington Fire Department have attended the ceremony.

This year’s program honored two Missouri firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2010.

Randall Davenport, 37, Marshall Fire Department, died several hours after responding to two structure fires Oct. 24, 2010.

Donald Schaper, 53, Timber Knob Volunteer Fire Department, died after suffering a heart attack on the scene of a roadside incident April 9, 2010.

The names of the two Missouri firefighters were among 72 firefighters from around the United States who were added to the memorial this year. Additionally, the names of 17 firefighters who died in previous years were added.

Washington firefighters took part in many of the activities at the ceremony.

Schmitt said he was honored to serve in the line of duty death battalion and present the U.S. flag and a red rose to Davenport’s family.

Lampe served as a plaque guard and was part of the unveiling ceremony of the plaque that listed the names of fallen firefighters from 2010.

Eaton was selected to serve in the flag brigade carrying the flag of the Washington Volunteer Fire Company during the ceremony.

Sullentrup and Fuse were memorial chapel guards Oct. 15 and security ushers for the candlelight service later that evening.

On Oct. 16, Sullentrup and Fuse stood guard for the national honor flag, which has flown at Ground Zero, traveled with the astronauts on a shuttle mission, was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq and has been used during many funeral services of fallen firefighters and police officers this year.

“It’s a great honor for me to be chosen to perform such a duty for the fire company,” Sullentrup said, “and I am truly privileged and humbled to be a part of a great group of firefighters in Washington and at the national memorial service.”

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial ceremony has taken place since 1981. There are more than 3,000 names enshrined on the memorial.

In addition to the national service, Washington firefighters participate in the Missouri firefighters memorial service each year in May in Kingdom City.