Fallen Blenheim firefighter to be honored at national service

The 28th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will honor a South Carolina firefighter who died in the line of duty in 2008.

Blenheim Fire Department Lt. Steven Hagan Sr., 48, died after falling ill while operating at the scene of a motor vehicle accident Dec. 23. He will be among the 98 men and 5 women from 36 states remembered at the official national service held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg. Nineteen firefighters who died in previous years also will be honored.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Department of Homeland Security will sponsor the official national tribute Oct. 4. The ceremony marks the beginning of National Fire Prevention Week designated by President Obama to focus national attention on the destruction of property and loss of life caused by fire. For more information, visit Weekend.FireHero.org.