09/20/2026
There are some moments in the fire service that are difficult to put into words. This weekend was one of them.
This weekend, your Bangor Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 772 accompanied the spouse of fallen brother Lt. VanPeursem at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in Colorado Springs, as our senior man, our mentor and our friend was honored and remembered.
Throughout the weekend, 288 names from across the United States and Canada were added to the Memorial. Each name was spoken, each firefighter was remembered, and behind every name stood a family, a firehouse, and a lifetime of memories.
For us, hearing Billy’s name was different.
For 35 years, Billy gave a piece of himself to Local 772, the surrounding communities and the brothers and sisters who make up this membership.
Yesterday, we had the honor of standing beside Michelle as she was presented with Billy’s flag. It was a powerful reminder that when we say we will never forget, those words carry a responsibility.
Yesterday was certainly heavy with emotion but it was a beautiful opportunity to share the stories of him with complete strangers from across North America who got a chance to learn who Lt. VP really was.
Billy’s name now has a permanent place among our nation’s fallen firefighters. For our membership, though, his legacy was written long before it was placed on a wall — through 35 years of brotherhood, friendship, service, and the unmistakable love he had for Michelle.
We were proud to be there this weekend.
Proud to stand with Michelle.
Proud to hear Billy’s name spoken.
And proud to make sure that his memory continues forward.