Tulsa Fire Department honors fallen firefighters at annual memorial ceremony

The Tulsa Fire Department gathered to remember firefighters who died this year. The service honored members who died on duty and those who died in retirement. It marked 31 years of the tradition in Tulsa.

The event included a small candlelight service. Members rang a bell as officials read each name aloud.

Tulsa Fire Chief Michael Baker spoke about the importance of the gathering for surviving relatives.

“This is our opportunity to not only remember them but honor the family that lost them. It’s very important for the families to come together and see that folks are catching up with friends and people that they worked with in previous years,” Baker said.

Baker said the department considers the relatives part of its own family. The agency maintains ties with families after members retire or pass away.

Fire departments hold memorial services to recognize deceased staff. These gatherings bring personnel and relatives together each year across Tulsa.

The ceremony took place this year to continue the tribute.