KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Knoxville Fire Department gathered Tuesday morning at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum to honor firefighters who died in the line of duty and retirees who passed away in the last year.
This year’s memorial recognized 35 individuals, including 24 KFD firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty since 1875, and 11 retired members who passed away over the past year. As each name was read aloud, a bell tolled, and a rose was placed in their memory: a solemn reminder of the risks and sacrifices that come with protecting the community.
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Mark Wilbanks, public information officer for KFD, said the timing of the memorial holds a special meaning as this month is National Fire Prevention Month.
“October is a huge month for us,” Wilbanks said. “I learned about it during National Fire Prevention Month when I was in Elementary School, and it kind of always stuck with me.”…