Fallen Kentucky firefighters honored in Frankfort, families honored as well

FRANKFORT, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Being a firefighter takes drive, dedication, and a willingness to sacrifice for their communities. That sacrifice was commemorated Wednesday in Frankfort.

11 names were added to the Kentucky Fallen Firefighter Memorial at Juniper Hills Park. Wednesday’s ceremony in honor of their service brought in family members of the late heroes. One of them was Amber Geary, daughter of Captain Bobby Mosby of the Nelson Creek Volunteer Fire Department.

“I’m very proud of my father. I don’t think he realized himself the things that he’s done in his life,” Geary said.  “It means a lot that we’ve had a lot of people supporting us ever since the passing and there’s other people going through the same things we are.”

The ceremony showed that these families aren’t alone. Kentucky Firefighter’s Association president Kyle Carpenter spoke on what service means to the families of the heroes.

“We honor these names, and these names deserve to be honored, but we also honor the families. There’s a lot of sacrifices that the families have made for these people, and we appreciate you,” Carpenter said.

State and County leaders like Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman and Franklin County Judge Executive Michael Mueller also spoke on what this service has meant for the commonwealth.

“We know that being a firefighter is a tough job, but they show us that they’re role models to Kentuckians. These 11 will be a constant reminder of our better angels,” Coleman said.

“The 11 names we remember today reminds us of the reality that this service comes with great sacrifice. These firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in their unwavering commitment to protect us,” Mueller said.

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Geary said goodbyes never get easier, but Wednesday’s memorial service shows there’s support in every corner.

“Even though it’s hard during the services we’ve been to, in the end, it gives us something to look back on to put a smile on our faces and bring a little bit of joy to what’s going on. Cherish those times and take in all in,” Geary said.

The 11 added names and their departments can be found here.

• Roger Askin Jr., Covington Fire Department
• Joseph Black, Whitesburg Fire Department
• Mitchell Christian, Ashland Fire Department
• Donald Hart, Oak Grove Fire Department
• Mark Hernandez, Cincinatti-No. Kentucky Airport Fire Dept.
• Norman Lytle, Georgetown Fire Department
• Robert Morton, Sycamore React Fire Department
• Bobby Mosby, Nelson Creek Fire Department
• Thomas Petschke Jr, Ballardsville Fire Department
• Geneva Salyer, Red Bush Fire Department
• Greg Vanhoose, WR Castle Fire Department

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