Houston Fire Dept. holds annual memorial ceremony for fallen firefighters

Houston Fire Department held a memorial service for the family, friends and colleagues of fallen firefighters in the Houston area.

The ceremony was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Houston Firefighters’ Memorial Garden.

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Each of the 82 firefighters who have died in the line of duty were recognized and honored. Special guests placed fire helmets and roses on the memorials to honor the fallen heroes.

Speakers at the event included Councilmember Amy Peck and HFD Chief Thomas Muñoz.

Chief Muñoz said that every HFD firefighter who has died in the line of duty stands as a symbol of bravery and acts of kindness.

“What is the definition of a hero? Going into the unknown,” Chief Muñoz said in an emotional speech. “People have always said, ‘You must be crazy, going into a burning building while others are running out.’ I call that bravery. I call that... someone who puts their lives [at risk] for others.”