PEORIA, Ill. – A sea of firefighters gathered outside of Peoria City Hall Tuesday afternoon to honor fallen brothers.
Peoria Fire Chief Ed Olehy said the ceremony is a tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“It’s a way to give back a little bit and to honor these member’s families who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice, and give their life for the city of Peoria,” Olehy said.
Olehy said the motto is that “everyone goes home safe”.
“Unluckily, that doesn’t always happen,” Olehy said. “When that bell rings, the men and the women of the department just put their worries behind and in they go. If they can save somebody else’s life, they’ll do it. No matter what the cost. That’s just part of the job.”
Members from other fire departments also attended the ceremony to honor the fallen.
“They’re out here, taking a little bit of time out of their day to pay the tribute to fallen firefighters, because it is truly a brotherhood across the country,” Olehy said.
