The Newport News Fire Department played "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes during a ceremony at the Fallen Heroes Tree in Suffolk Wednesday night. It was a heartfelt tribute along with prayer and the calling of the names of the fallen men and women who have served as police officers and firefighters.
“We tried to stay with the theme of red and blue. Red for firefighters, blue for police officers. I’ve painted the fire hose, so it’s red and blue for them - same with the lights that are on the tree," says Bill Price, Naval Base Fire Captain.
Organizers of the Fallen Heroes Tree say 137 police officers have died this year in the line of duty. 103 firefighters and 27 K9 dogs have also lost their lives during service.
Ornaments with the fallen heroes' names on them also represented the men and women who lost their battle with cancer attributed to 9/11 this year.