D.C. Armory to Host Memorial Service for Firefighter

(Updated at 4:10 p.m.) The memorial service for Lt. Kevin McRae, who died last week fighting a fire in Shaw, will be held tomorrow in the D.C. Armory — and officials are seeking volunteers to help with the event.

The viewing will begin at 9 a.m. Friday at the Armory (2001 East Capitol St. SE), and the service is set to start at 11 a.m., Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office and the D.C. Fire and E.M.S. Department announced today. Both ceremonies will be open to the public.

Volunteers are needed for three-hour shifts between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. People interested in helping should send an email to [email protected].

McRae’s body will be led to Fort Lincoln Cemetery in a procession that will cross the city.

McRae collapsed May 6 after fighting a fire in an apartment building on 7th Street NW and later died in a hospital. He was 44.

“The District lost one of its heroes last week in a tragic fire,” Seth Shapiro, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Ward 6 liaison, said in an email.

“Lt. Kevin McRae dedicated his life to serving as a firefighter for 24 years, and while we are deeply saddened by this loss, we are committed to honoring his life and his legacy.”

Image via D.C. Fire and E.M.S. Department