Every September, emergency first responders, their families, and fire‑service members from across the United States and Canada gather to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This year, the El Paso Fire Department (EPFD) traveled to Colorado Springs for the 40th annual International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) memorial, where two of its own were recognized among the nation’s fallen.
Local heroes remembered on a national stage
The IAFF memorial honored 288 fallen members, including El Paso’s Angel Bustamante Jr. and Paul McGill. Both men served the EPFD with dedication and courage, and their names now appear on the Wall of Honor, a tribute that has recorded more than 10,000 IAFF members since 1918.
EPFD Chief Jonathan Killings led the department’s Honor Guard and Pipes & Drums to Colorado, standing alongside IAFF Local 51 and El Paso City Representative Deanna Maldonado‑Rocha. The delegation’s presence underscored the close ties between local fire services and the broader firefighting community.
Why the memorial matters to El Paso families
“The memorial serves as a reminder that the loss of a firefighter extends beyond the individual and is felt by families, departments and communities,” EPFD shared in a statement. “For the fire service, gathering at the memorial provides an opportunity to remember those who came before, honor their sacrifice and ensure their names and legacies continue to be remembered for generations to come.”
For the families of Bustamante and McGill, the ceremony offered a solemn space to reflect on their loved ones’ commitment to protecting the public. It also reinforced the shared responsibility of fire departments nationwide to support one another in times of grief.
Community impact and ongoing remembrance
El Paso’s participation in the IAFF memorial highlights the city’s strong tradition of honoring public servants. The EPFD regularly engages with community groups, schools, and faith‑based organizations to promote fire safety education and to recognize the contributions of its members.
Residents can view the complete list of 2026 Fallen Firefighter Wall of Honor recipients on the IAFF website, where the names of Bustamante and McGill stand alongside those of brave men and women from across the continent.
Looking ahead
As the EPFD returns home, Chief Killings emphasized the department’s commitment to supporting families of fallen firefighters and to fostering a culture of remembrance within the city. “Our duty does not end with the ceremony,” he said. “We will continue to honor Angel and Paul through our daily work, ensuring their legacy lives on in every call we answer and every life we protect.”
The memorial serves as a powerful reminder that the safety of El Paso’s neighborhoods rests on the dedication of its fire‑fighters, past and present. By honoring those who have given everything, the community reaffirms its gratitude and resolves to uphold the highest standards of service for generations to come.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
