Blog: City Blog

Somber Remembrance: Fire Department Honors Fallen Firefighters at Memorial Service

Mayor Madeline Rogero, Fire Chief Stan Sharp and others place the wreath at Wednesday's Fire Department Memorial Service.

Mayor Madeline Rogero, Fire Chief Stan Sharp and others place the wreath during Wednesday's Fire Department Memorial Service.

At Wednesday's midday Knoxville Fire Department Memorial Service, a large turnout of firefighters and civilians turned out at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park, 600 Summit Hill Drive, to pay tribute to the 24 City firefighters who have died in the line of duty, dating back to 1904.

The service also honored the memories of KFD friends and colleagues who have passed away since last year’s service.

Mayor Madeline Rogero said the ceremony additionally serves as an opportunity to thank our current firefighters for the important, life-saving work they do, 24/7. Knoxville firefighters have been doing their duty with exemplary professionalism, efficiency and dedication since 1885.

"Let's salute the brave 24 City firefighters who have died in the line of duty," the Mayor said. "But let’s also celebrate the everyday, ongoing service and sacrifices made by KFD’s more than 300 firefighting professionals."

Here is a link to coverage in today's Knoxville News Sentinel:

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/watchful-eye/knoxvilles-fallen-firefighters-memorialized-by-mayor-others_25322333

The KFD Honor Guard and bagpiper Vincent Ayub lead the processional at a downtown service honoring fallen firefighters.

During the "Last Alarm," a bell is rung as the names of fallen firefighters are read aloud.

The City's 24 firefighters who died in the line of duty were remembered at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park, 600 Summit Hill Drive.

Nationally, 68 firefighters have died this year. Wednesday's memorial service paid tribute to the dedication of firefighters in Knoxville and elsewhere.

A crowd gathered Wednesday to pay their respects to fallen firefighters.

Mayor Madeline Rogero and Fire Chief Stan Sharp pause to reflect on the sacrifices of past and present firefighters.

Bagpiper Vincent Ayub parades ahead of the KFD Honor Guard at the start of Wednesday's Memorial Service.

Posted by evreeland On 15 October, 2015 at 3:15 PM