Trying to interview tragedy-stricken firefighters

Something bad happened to local firefighters (let's say this is in DC, since that's as close as I can figure). I went down to a place where firefighters would sit on the corner next to one of the columns of a building and, when there was a conflagration, the firetruck would pick them up there. I noticed a new memorial plaque etched into the column. I decided I would try to interview some of the firemen, so I waited at the column for a firetruck to come by. One did, on its way back to the fire station (only a few blocks to the left), but it didn't stop for me at the corner. I started walking down towards the station, but I also started to rethink my newly conceived career in journalism.