KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A group of firefighters dressed in formal attire saluted in downtown Knoxville Tuesday morning, during a memorial service honoring former firefighters who died since the Knoxville Fire Department last gathered.
Knoxville leaders said nine former firefighters have died since the last gathering. It also said the memorial honored the 24 Knoxville firefighters who died in the line of duty, dating back to 1875.
The group arrived at Mary Costa Plaza with an old firetruck, waving flags and the fire department's seal, adorned with flowers to honor the dead. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon also spoke during the service, addressing a crowd that gathered nearby.
"This day just marks the significance of that for us, that people have given their entire lives. some people give 30-plus years to the American Fire Service, and it's a great honor to be a part of it," said Mark Wilbanks, a KFD assistant fire chief.
A bell rang out for the firefighters who died, and a wreath was also decorated with red and white flowers.
October is also National Fire Prevention Month, and leader said they were working to make sure people have working smoke detectors in their homes.
