VIDEO: The Tulsa Fire Department and the Tulsa Retired Firefighters’ Association came together on Sunday to honor and recognize firefighters who have passed away during the last fiscal year.
This past week has been a tough one in Tulsa with the funeral of firefighter Lt. Brian Bizzell, who died in a crash in Owasso on Sept. 30.
The community came together on Sunday to remember Bizzell and 16 others at the Tulsa Fire Museum, where they experienced words of tribute, prayers, and memorial dedications conducted by the Tulsa Fire Department Honor Guard.
It’s part of a coordinated national observance where fire departments across the country lower flags to half-staff, pull fire apparatus in front of stations, and sound their sirens in unison at noon to honor the fallen.
Fire Chief Michael Baker talked about the importance of the ceremony and the challenges the department has faced with these recent losses. โI like to think of them as a celebration of service. This week has been a rather roller coaster of emotion week for the fire department, especially myself. Lieutenant Bizzell was the fifth death in our department not associated with something in doing with firefighting. There has been one every year for the last five years. It’s been particularly rough for the department,” said Baker. The memorial demonstrated many traditions that touched the hearts of those who attended.
