PHOTOS: Toward the end of the Idaho Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony on Friday, the cry of a siren rang out over the bagpipes and drums, accompanied by the harsh blare of a horn, as an engine sped out of the parking lot near a memorial to fallen firefighters off the Boise River.
The scene fit with some of the themes of the ceremony — especially those of duty and sacrifice — but it wasn’t scripted. A crew had to leave the formalities to respond.
“That wasn’t planned,” Boise Fire Chief Dennis Doan told the crowd assembled at the memorial, in the 1700 block of West Shoreline Drive. “They’re actually going to a water rescue.”
It was a reminder of the reality of the job at the center of the ceremony.
Friday marked the 11th annual Idaho Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony, and it featured appearances from firefighters from across the state.