Sea of Blue Honors Twenty-Two Fallen Firefighters: A Cop’s Perspective
On October 29th, 2015, the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department (JFRD) honored twenty-two Jacksonville (FL) firefighters lost in the line of duty since 1885. The Sea of Blue march and memorial ceremony marked the second annual commemoration for JFRD members who made the ultimate sacrifice. As a member of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, I joined the procession along with two of my colleagues to honor the fallen firefighters and to support our JFRD brethren. We were humbled and honored to be positioned in the procession just behind the JFRD command staff and the twenty-two firefighters who had the solemn privilege of carrying the helmets of the fallen.
The march began at 9 a.m. and was led by the JFRD’s Pipes and Drums Band and Honor Guard. Joining the commemorative procession were hundreds of local firefighters, including some from neighboring jurisdictions, and city leaders. The 1.5-mile march passed in front of city hall where Mayor Lenny Curry and members of his staff joined Fire Chief Kurtis Wilson. The tightly packed Sea of Blue procession stretched for blocks and also included JFRD fire apparatus, impeccably shined and polished, to honor the memories of the fallen and their families.
The march served as an opportunity for citizens of Jacksonville to also honor the memory of the twenty-two heroes lost while serving their community. Spectators lined the procession route and flooded out of office buildings, many dressed in red, to show their support. It was touching to see the support of the community for our firefighters. There was frequent applause and shouts of support from those lining the streets as we passed. While many cheered, others stood somberly and a long line of spectators outside the Chamber of Commerce building held signs that said “Thank You.” One woman waved with one hand as she wept and dabbed tears from her face with her other hand. As the procession passed the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office; dozens of officers stood at attention on the stairs and saluted their fire service brothers and sisters. The procession ended under a massive American Flag hoisted in the air between two ladder trucks just outside the Fire Museum.
The concluding memorial service was convened at the Jacksonville Fire Museum with family members of many of the fallen present. The somber event was called to order with the pledge of allegiance and an invocation. Mayor Curry presented Chief Wilson with a proclamation declaring October 29th as “Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day” and dignitaries honored those lost and their families with thoughtful speeches. The ceremony culminated with the reading of the “Last Alarm” Honor Roll, a twenty-one-gun salute and a bagpipe performance of taps all to honor the JFRD heroes who were lost.
As the ceremony concluded with the benediction, I reflected on the magnitude of the day’s events. The JFRD uniquely honored those lost and their families with reverence, class and distinction. They also did it in a way that allowed the community they serve to participate. Before, during and after the event firefighters sought me out to thank me for being there. I was truly humbled and could only respond by telling them it was my honor to be a part of it.
Although I have always had great respect for our firefighters, this day reinforced for me the kindred spirit that binds firefighters and police officers throughout this country. This kindred spirit bolsters the public safety of our communities and the homeland security of our nation. These professionals work tough jobs, side by side, every day, fully knowing that each day at work could be their last. The risks are understood, accepted and undertaken to protect the citizens of the city they serve. The Sea of Blue not only honored twenty-two true heroes from Jacksonville’s history; it also united the community, first responders and city leaders alike. Such solidarity speaks volumes for the city and may be the most profound way to honor the ultimate sacrifice paid by the fallen from JFRD.
Ron Lendvay is a contributor to the Homeland Security (HS) Vortex, which is a platform where insiders from the policy, law enforcement, fire service and emergency management fields converge to discuss issues related to Homeland Security.
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