TULSA -- Remembering heroes. The Tulsa Fire Department recognized both retired and active firefighters who have died in the past twelve months at an annual service Sunday.
It's a sound that touches most hearts. Together, more than 50 people said the pledge of allegiance and national anthem.
It's patriotism at its finest and all it's remember fallen heroes.
"I was very proud of him," Phyllis Duty said. "He passed away in February from Alzheimer's Disease."
Duty says her husband J.D. was a Tulsa fireman for more than 20 years.
"He was that perfect," she said. "I loved him very much."
Each year the National Fire Academy honors all United States firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous 12 months. Tulsa took part and remembered 18 retired men and women.
"When you look at their longevity in life they live less than the average citizen and this is the opportunity to represent that and talk to the families that we understand and we try and comfort them through the next several years and not while they were just on the job," Tulsa Fire Chief Ray Driskell said.
Flags were lowered to half-staff and a short alarm of sirens rang in unison across the country.
"It's just a great time to bring families back together," Honor Guard Commander Victor Grimes said. "All of the families that we were able to honor throughout the year and bring them all together and just continue to show appreciation for their loved ones."
As Duty stares at the uniform her late husband put on everyday and holds a rose in her hand, she can feel J.D. by her side.
The tribute was organized by TFD and the Tulsa Retired Firefighters Association.
