Vicious winds and heavy rain didn’t stop members of the Syracuse Fire Department Wednesday morning from paying their respects to local firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty. Area firemen, police officers, and onlookers honored those who lost their lives in the Collins Block Fire of 1939. Nine firefighters perished when the building collapsed. Now, the ceremony honors all firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty in the Department’s history. Fire Chief Paul Linnertz says it’s vital to continue to honor the victims.
“It’s always important for us to remember our brothers who have gone before us. The sacrifice they have made is tremendous for the citizens of the city and we should never forget that.”
A silver bell rings as 45 firefighter’s names were read. For several years Retired Deputy Chief Thomas Laun reflects on the personal bonds he formed.
“It’s more than just a name on a board. It’s absolutely a personal relationship. I held their first born babies with them. When they got married I was there. When they had children I was there. We were a part of a family. ”
Laun says some accounts and historical references prove several firefighters chiseled through debris to help people out, but others remained buried under the rumble for several days.
The Collins Block Fire of 1939 is the single deadliest incident in the history of the Department, and Chief Linnertz says we should never forget.
“Obviously we feel it’s very important and we want assure the members and the families of the members that passed away that we are never going to forget their firefighter who passed away here in the City. We will work to keep our current firefighters safe so we never have to do this again.”
A monument located outside the Key Bank on Genesee Street commemorates the victims of the fire. It sits two blocks from Fayette Firefighters Park, where Wednesday’s ceremony was held.
