Wichita Falls Fire Department pays tribute to fallen firefighters

The Wichita Falls Fire Department held its 40th anniversary memorial service Friday at the Wichita Falls Public Safety Training Center to honor the department's fallen.

The room was lined with current WFFD members and young firefighters in training. Retired firefighters sat amongst the crowd which included their families and local city officials.

The service began with a prayer from Lead Chaplain Paul Meyenberg. Fire Chief Donald Hughes and Deputy Fire Chief Cody Melton each spoke about how important it is to remember their fellow firefighters and the families they left behind.

Hughes then read off the names of a few fallen fire fighters. After each name, a member of the honor guard rang a bell that echoed throughout the room.