"Never forget:" MFD honors 128 firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the public

MILWAUKEE -- A somber ceremony was held Wednesday, October 12th at the Milwaukee Fire Department -- honoring the city's fallen firefighters.

MFD honors 128 firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the public

The ringing of the bell signified the "end of watch" for Milwaukee's fallen, while also paying tribute to the men and women who serve each day.

A light rain fell on heavy hearts as those who made the ultimate sacrifice were honored.

"Each and every day, the men and women of the Milwaukee Fire Department do just that by selflessly serving," an MFD official said.

On Wednesday, MFD officials honored firefighters whose watch ended too soon.

MFD honors 128 firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the public

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett

"How important it is for us to remember those men and women who have made that ultimate sacrifice," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said.

Barret's remarks were joined by those of MFD Chief Mark Rohlfing.

"I think if we remember who they were -- firefighters just like us, doing the same job with the same mission, it's easier to draw them closer," Rohlfing said.

The ceremony took place during National Fire Prevention Week, and was a testament to firefighters who put the safety of the public above all else.

MFD honors 128 firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the public

MFD Chief Mark Rohlfing

"Making sure we get smoke detectors in all those homes, for the firefighting and for all those EMS calls," Rohlfing said.

The names of 128 firefighters were read during the ceremony.

"We'll never forget our 128 brothers and sisters who gave their lives serving, who are memorialized out in granite," Rohlfing said.