C Thomas Parsons, Deputy Fire Chief

J Thomas Dorman, Acting Fire Chief

Ithaca Fire Department Honors Fire Fighters Who Have Lost Their Lives During the Past Year

On Saturday, October 14, 2006, the Ithaca Fire Department conducted its ninth annual Memorial Service at the City Cemetery at 9:00 AM. This day is used because it is the last day of Fire Prevention Week, and serves to help us properly conclude the week with a ceremony which is important to the Fire Department. The service lasted approximately thirty minutes.

Fire Chief Brian Wilbur says “This service is an opportunity to stop and reflect upon our heritage and those who have served before us. Those who have passed in the last year, as well as those who have gone before, will be remembered.”

The service took place at the fire fighters' memorial monument at the City Cemetery off Cornell Avenue. There were brief statements from Ithaca Fire Chief Brian Wilbur, Town Supervisor Cathy Valentino, and City of Ithaca Mayor Carolyn Peterson. The names of past members of the Ithaca Fire Department who have passed in the last year were also read.

"Taps" was played by two buglers with one providing an "echo" effect. There was also be a rifle salute provided by the Detachment of the Sons of Union Veterans (of the Civil War).

More images taken during the cememony can be seen by clicking here.

A view of the Fire Fighters' Monument as the morning Sun shines through the trees of Ithaca's City Cemetery.