On Saturday, December 18, 1999, a contingent of Town of Vernon Fire Department members were among more than 20 local Connecticut fire departments who participated in carrying a burning memorial candle to honor the six fallen firefighters of Worcester, MA. Bordering towns of Route 8 and Interstate 84 and the Mass Pike in Massachusetts assisted in transporting the candle. The caravan started in Derby and proceeded to the memorial candle's final place of rest at Worcester Fire Department Headquarters.  The candle traveled over 120 miles to reach its destination. Also traveling with the memorial candle were members of the Derby, Shelton and Fairfield fire departments, along with the individual who thought of the event, Derby Deputy Fire Chief Gary Parker. Manchester 8th District Fire Department met Vernon Fire Department at the Vernon Circle commuter lot. Vernon then transported the candle up Interstate 84 to pass the candle onto Tolland Fire Department. It certainly was an emotional moment for all those who participated.