Despite forecasts of heavy rain and even lightning, the scene at Memorial Park Saturday morning was as bright as an autumn day could be for loved ones to honor those they’ve lost.

Every September, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) holds their Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial ceremony in Colorado Springs to remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year.

This year marked an especially solemn occasion for the city as it marked the first time in over a decade that a Colorado Springs Fire Department firefighter’s name has been added to the wall of honor.

Bobby Keese (Image courtesy of the

Colorado Springs Fire Department)

“This year is different for our local.” Colorado Springs Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 5 President Curt Crumb said.  “We grieve with you, as we have lost one of our own: Bobby Keese.”

Keese died on Oct. 20 last year from complications related to risks and exposures associated with firefighting duties. He joined CSFD on May 17, 1993, and served 30 years with the department, 24 of those years spent as a driver/engineer. Bobby grew up in the fire service and his father joined the department in 1969 and served at CSFD, also as a driver/engineer.

Keese’s name was among 308 throughout North America called Saturday morning.

“It’s difficult, because I never thought we would be here,” Keese’s daughter Mikaela Copeland said ahead of the ceremony. “But, that said, it’s amazing to be here and to be able to honor all the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The ceremony has been held in Memorial Park since 1987 and commemorates the lives of firefighters and emergency medical service workers who died in the line of duty. This includes firefighters who have succumbed to occupational illnesses like cancer, heart disease and suicide.

Thousands of family members, friends and fellow firefighters gathered from across the United States and Canada to visit and observe the only memorial of its kind in North America.

“The loss of Bobby is a void that will not be filled. Local 5 wants to thank his family for allowing Bobby to pursue the career his father took, and allowing Bobby into all of our lives,” Crumb said in a news release ahead of the ceremony.

“We also want to extend our sincere condolences to the family knowing that what Bobby’s chosen profession was, ultimately was what took him away from his family at home, and his fire family in the station.”

Since his death, Keese’s family has received an outpouring of support from IAFF Local 5 and the entire community with his family receiving frequent letters and messages over the past year.

“That name (Keese) runs deep in Colorado Springs,” Copeland said.

Throughout the week leading up to Saturday’s event, members of the Local 5 have been volunteering to serve community members and other visiting families to provide information and transportation to various events and activities.

Keese is remembered as a “respected leader and mentor” by those who worked alongside him over the years. Among the awards and recognition he received throughout his life included his work in designing fire engines and teaching fire safety to youths throughout the community.

In February, he posthumously became the first recipient of the Carrie Sloan Award for his work as a mentor.

“He had a direct influence on many of our staff but particularly young firefighters and new drivers as he was a part of their learning new skills, obtaining certifications and thus serving our community at a higher level,” CSPD Fire Chief Randy Royal said in the release.

“We are honored and proud of his years of service to our community and department, and are grateful that his name will be etched among his fallen brothers and sisters at this sacred memorial.”

Following the traditional performances by the IAFF Pipe and Drum Band and Honor Guards, the gifting of flags to family survivors and bell tolls, the ceremony concluded with a rendition of the Secret Garden song “You Raise Me Up” by the Colorado Springs Chorale.

“He was never one for the spotlight.” Copeland said of her father. “But I know he would be honored to be here and I’m honored to be here.”