Final Post

We would like to thank you for attending Tim Hart's Memorial Service either in person or online.  Your support of him and for his family is greatly appreciated.  Ths blog will remain in place as a tribute to Tim but will not be monitored or posted any more.

Thank you

Tim Hart Memorial Complete

Tim Hart’s Memorial began at 11 am today on a beautiful, breezy day in Cody, Wyoming. Nearly 300 people watched the livestream and over 400 attended in person: friends from the community of Cody, local family and those from across the country, his West Yellowstone crew of smokejumpers, representatives from other jump bases in the US, other firefighters and many representatives from the Forest Service and other agencies.
 

Tim's family arrives

Tim, with his wife Michelle and dog Dash, was a Cody resident. He died from injuries sustained on May 24 while responding to the Eicks Fire in Hildago County, New Mexico. Statements of condolence came in from Governors of Montana and Wyoming, the Cody Mayor, the Chief of the Forest Service, smokejumpers from across the country and many members of the public. 

Today’s service began with opening statements from Grangeville Smokejumper Base Manager Mike Blinn, followed by the posting of the colors by the Honor Guard. Comments were made by Chief of the Forest Service Vicki Christiansen, the Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, and Cody Mayor Matt Hall followed by comments from family and friends. 

Tim's crew onstage for the
Bell Ceremony

The flag folding ceremony was next followed by presentations of National, State and Forest Service flags to members of Tim’s Family. His wife Michelle was also presented with a statue from the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. 

Even more solemn ceremonies followed, all traditions in the fire service. Tim's entire crew came on stage for the Bell Ceremony. This ceremony symbolizes the devotion that these brave souls have for their duty. A special signal of three rings,  three times each, represents the end of a firefighter’s duties  and that they will be returning to quarters.

It says to those who have selflessly given their lives for the good of their fellow man, that their tasks are completed, their duties well done. It’s their last alarm, they are going home. 

The Pipe & Drum Corp

This was followed by Amazing Grace played by the Pipe and Drum Corp. And finally, The Last Call closed out the ceremony with a radio call to Tim from Bozeman Dispatch, which goes unanswered, followed by Dispatch’s last words thanking Tim for his service. 

Honor Guard uniforms

All in all, the day went well and the Forest Service and Tim’s family appreciated the support that was shown. The timhartmemorial.blogspot.com will remain up for people to look at. A video of the service will be posted on the blog once it's done.

Practice Day at the Cody High School Stadium

There is an expectation that there will be a lot of people at the Memorial for smokejumper Tim Hart tomorrow at the Cody High School football field at 11:00 am.  The public is welcome and encouraged to come to pay honor to Tim who lost his life due to injuries he sustained during a jump. Those who plan to come should look at timhartmemorial.blogspot.com to get information on seating and parking.

Today, things were busy at the high school as members of the forest service, the honor guard, the school, Tim's crew and other firefighters worked to get the stage built and ready for the event, check the sound system, look at seating arrangements, prepare rooms for family to gather and much more. 

One of the primary groups that uses the time before a memorial to practice is the Honor Guard whose precise movements require hours of focused drills.

They walk the route over and over until they know the exact number of steps, they rehearse the presentations they will be making, and fold flags over and over.  

The Honor Guard is a very special and very appreciated part of every Memorial from escorting the fallen firefighter home to ensuring he or she is never left alone.

Governor Honors Tim Hart at Capitol

Montana Governor Gianforte made remarks and requested a moment of silence in Tim’s honor at the start of his 2021 fire briefing in the capitol earlier this week.

Public Are Welcome To Attend Memorial

 Public Attendance

Members of the public are welcome to attend the Memorial for Tim Hart at Cody High School football field on Saturday. There is a seating chart located under the SEATING tab to help you find a spot to sit. Please use the North Entrance but the South Entrance is also available if you need a handicapped accessible way to enter.

A Moment of Silence

On June 10, 2021, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and state and federal land managers provided Wyomingites and visitors an update on this summer’s wildfire danger and what everyone can do to prevent, prepare and respond to wildfires. Before the briefing, Governor Gordon acknowledged the passing of Smokejumper Tim Hart and paused for a moment of silence.

Flag Raising Ceremony at West Yellowstone

On Wednesday, June 9, 2021 the Honor Guard, West Yellowstone Smokejumpers, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and the West Yellowstone community participated in a Ceremonial Flag Raising to honor Tim Hart.  About 80 people attended the ceremony conducted by the Honor Guard.             

Honor Guard Flag Raising

The same American flag has been with Tim since El Paso and will be presented to his wife Michelle at the memorial service on Saturday.  The Forest Service flag will be presented to Tim’s sister.  

A crowd of about 80 paid thier respects.