This page is solely dedicated to our fallen brothers. From an everyday medical call, to a fully involved blazing house fire, you can always count on firefighters to take care of the job. Whether we are on a paid fire department, or a volunteer fire department, we will always be there to take care of business. In the course of firefighting, no matter how many safety protocols are utilized, no matter how many precautions are taken, there are always strong possibilities for unavoidable dangers, and within those dangers, sometimes come fatalities. It is a dangerous job that could cost a firefighter his life, but saving others is why we do it. This creates a bond like no other. It 's a brotherhood, it's what a firefighter is. It extends beyond city and state lines. Its a national deal. It doesn't matter who you are, or where you are from, you ARE a firefighter. You can go any place in the country, into to any firehouse, or just run across another firefighter - and you are family. Saying goodbye to a fellow firefighter is just as much a part of the job, as going on a fire call. In 2006, there were 4 firefighter deaths in Texas. We remember these firefighters below. In April of 2007, it really hit home.

Kevin Williams:

The Captain of the Noonday Fire Department Died August 3, 2007 While fighting a structure fire. Kevin was inside the burning structure when something went wrong. The exact cause of death is still under investigation.

Austin Cheek:

Firefighter Austin Cheek of the Noonday Fire Department Died August 3, 2007 While fighting a structure Fire. Austin was inside the burning structure when something went wrong. The exact cause of death is still under investigation.

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David Moore:

The assistant chief of Valero Refinery Fire Brigade in Texas died April 3 at College Station Medical Center, the day after he collapsed following an exercise at the Brayton Fire Training Field.

David Moore, 40, was in the rehab area after participating in a live burn drill when he collapsed after complaining that he wasn't feeling well. He was rushed to the medical center, but never regained consciousness.

Medical tests determined that Moore, the father of three, had suffered a stroke, said Ponch Gonzales, a firefighter/paramedic with Bryan Fire Department.

Recently, Moore and his family had discussed the importance of becoming organ donors; his wishes were carried out, Gonzales said. "It was a wonderful gift."

The training session for Moore's fellow firefighters, slated to last all week, was canceled. Before being sent home, they met with grief counselors.

The Brayton Fire Training Field, affiliated with Texas A&M University, is the largest facility for firefighters and emergency responders in the United States. On the 120-acre site, they have several buildings, towers, tanks, industrial plant structures and a ship where simulations are staged.

Richard Longoria:

Firefighter/Paramedic Richard Longoria was the man the Corpus Christie Fire Department often turned to when a rookie joined the crew.

On Friday, those former rookies along with hundreds of fire and rescue personnel will pay a final tribute to Longoria, who collapsed and died Tuesday on his way home after his shift.

A passing motorist called 9-1-1 after finding Longoria lying on the street about seven miles from the fire station. His colleagues, some of whom he had help train, responded. However, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy showed he suffered a stroke. During an earlier fire shift, he had told co-workers that he didn't feel well, said Assistant Chief Andy Cardiel.

Longoria, one of the department's most senior medics, was remembered for his dedication and commitment."He never backed down from a job ...We're cross-trained here, and he was a Firefighter II. He had the opportunity to get off the medic unit, he chose to stay. So, he was on it whenever he could.."

Cardiel called his friend a role model. "He was happy to take young medics under his wing to show them the ropes...This is a tremendous loss..."

Longoria had recently become a grandfather for the first time, and was very proud of his granddaughter. "He had talked about retiring soon, too," Cardiel said, adding that his co-worker had been with the department for about 30 years.

When he wasn't at the fire station or with his family, Longoria could be found working on the USS Lexington, a decommissioned aircraft carrier docked in Corpus Christie. "He just loved that ship. He spent years and years working on it."

The flags at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg were lowered to half staff today in Longoria's honor. He is the first firefighter to die in the line of duty in 2006.

James McMorries:

James McMorries was one of those people who couldn't sit still. If there was something that needed fixing or someone needed help, he stepped right up.

As wildfires drew closer to his Texas community earlier this year, he joined the volunteer fire department.

On Sunday, he died of injuries sustained last month after he was ejected from the 6x6 fire vehicle he was driving after it overturned and careened into a steep ravine.

A member of Howardwick Volunteer Fire Co., McMorries, 62, had been on life support since the March 12 crash. He suffered extensive internal injuries that caused two massive strokes, according to Megan Bowes, his step-daughter.

Two other firefighters, Jeff Cook and Joseph Garcia, were injured. Both have been released from the hospital.

McMorries was trying to back up the 6x6 on sandy ground when the 1,200 gallons of water shifted, causing it to overturn. All three were ejected as the vehicle went down into a 60-foot ravine.

Fellow firefighters and their families have been frequent visitors at the Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo, and offers of support have come from people all over the area, Ms. Bowes said, adding that her family has been overwhelmed by the gestures.

Howardwick Fire Chief Robert Cole said the outpouring of compassion also has touched his tiny department in ways in never imagined. "We've heard from fire departments in New York, California, Seattle. It's been amazing."

Local residents also have stepped up to the plate as well since the tragic crash that left the department with only five firefighters. "I think we're up to 30 or 36."

The Claude Vol. Fire Dept. donated a fire truck, and the Texas Forestry Department has given Howardwick another military-type vehicle specially designed for wildland firefighting, the chief said, adding that a man also has come forward offering to help with repairs, and others have offered to donate tools for the truck.

Firefighters from neighboring departments, stood by, ready to take a call so the members of the Howardwick Fire Department could attend his funeral.

Phillip Townsend:

A Denison firefighter who died while battling a blaze was a second-generation firefighter who had grown up around the North Texas department.

Phillip Townsend, 31, died Saturday at the Texoma Medical Center about two hours after part of a building collapsed on him as he fought a fire that destroyed a Denison shopping center.

Chief Gordan Weger, 54, was also trapped in the collapse. He was taken to the hospital and was treated and released, officials said.

“We had a couple of firefighters at the front of the building, including the chief and Phillip,” Denison police spokesman Mike Eppler said. “As they fought the fire, the awning on the front of the building collapsed on top of them.”

Townsend’s father, Larry Townsend, is also a Denison firefighter and was working the Saturday morning fire, Denison Assistant Fire Chief Don Coley said.

He was pulled away from the rescue. Coley said Townsend, a father of three, was a military veteran who joined the department in December 2005. He was attending paramedic school.

“He was the most pleasant, always-with-a-smile, hardworking, do-anything-you-ask-him kind of person,” Coley said. “You could not have asked for a nicer kid. He was just a pleasure to be around.”

Denison fire Capt. Troy Baker said firefighters rushed to the site of the awning collapse and began digging through the rubble using their hands and extrication saws. First, they got to Townsend, who was taken away on a stretcher. Then they freed Weger, who suffered a cut on his head and a separated shoulder, officials said.

Coley said Weger returned to work Saturday afternoon.

Other area fire departments responded to help fight the fire. Damon Stewart, president of the Grayson County Fire Chiefs Association, said area agencies sent help so the Denison firefighters could take time to deal with the death.

The neighboring agencies would make themselves available for standby duties as the Denison department mourns, he said.

“Phillip enjoyed every day he was up here,” Coley said.

A Firefighters everyday job is to protect land, owner, and property. Whether the firefighters are paid or volunteer, they always put there lives on the line and push themselves beyond there limits to get the job done. Please show respect to the men and women who put themselves in danger to keep you and your property out of harms way, by supporting your communities fire department. To all fallen firefighters, may you rest in peace. We thank you for your sacrifices that you have made and as well for the sacrifices that your family has endured.

A Fireman's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God,
Whenever flames may rage;
Give me strength to save some life,
Whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late,
Or save an older person
From the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently,
To put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling
And to give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor
And protect his property.




And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life, Please bless with your protecting, my children and my wife.

Due to limited amount of space for this page, we have placed only fallen Texas firefighters of this year but, If you would like to learn more about fallen firefighters throughout the country, please visit: U.S. Fire Administration