LOS ANGELES : Firefighters Honor 47 Who Died in Line of Duty
Firefighters on Tuesday honored the 47 Los Angeles city Fire Department personnel who have died in the line of duty.
“We’re here today on a very solemn note,” Assistant Chief Dean Cathey said. “It’s also a very proud moment for us, because it’s an occasion in which we recognize those who have done the most noble deeds for their community.”
About 100 firefighters, city employees and elected officials gathered at noon for the annual memorial service, in front of a monument erected on the 1st Street lawn of City Hall.
A kilt-clad firefighter played the bagpipes and squads of firefighters in full dress uniform stood at attention as a representative of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Assn. read the “honor roll” of fallen comrades.
Officials laid a wreath of red and white carnations at the monument and four helicopters flew over the Civic Center. Capt. Daniel McCarty played taps to close the ceremony.
The last city firefighter to die in the line of duty was Benjamin Pinel. He died Dec. 4, 1984, while battling a restaurant fire in West Los Angeles, said city fire spokesman Milton Urquilla.
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