2 Gresham firefighters to be honored at national memorial ceremony

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Two fallen Gresham firefighters are set to be honored for their service in a national ceremony in Maryland this weekend.

Hosted by The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), their 43rd Memorial Weekend will honor 89 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2023 and 137 others who died in previous years.

Among the honorees is Brian Flowers, a firefighter and EMT who served the City of Gresham for 15 years, who passed away in November after a months-long battle with occupational acute myeloid leukemia.

The second is Brandon Norbury, who died unexpectedly in February 2023 from cardiac arrest while in the line of duty. He had served with Gresham Fire since 2008. Before that, he spent seven years with the Gresham Police Department and was a former Navy Seal.

“National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to pause and reflect on the heroic efforts and selfless service of the fallen firefighters we are paying tribute to this year,” said NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro. “We will always remember the bravery, commitment, and sacrifices of each of these 226 heroes and their families.”  

Both a candlelight vigil and memorial service will take place at the Mount Saint Mary’s University PNC Sports Complex in Emmitsburg.