Memorial service held for fallen Philadelphia firefighters

A service of healing was held today to remember two Philadelphia firefighters who lost their lives in April.  

Lieutenant Robert Neary and Firefighter Daniel Sweeney gave their lives in the line of duty on April ninth during a warehouse fire in the Kensington neighborhood. Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers says in his business, you never know if you are going to come home.

“When the bell rings we put our boots on we go out we try to assist our citizens and we don’t know, but we have faith we will be able to do the right thing and help people, we have hope that we will all come home together and sometimes we don’t,” said Ayers.

Timothy McShea of the firefighters union says the service is part of the healing process.

“The family needs healing and I believe we are here for the family,” said McShea.  “It’s sad that it goes on so long but the pain never stops for the family, that’s why we’re here, that’s the importance of it and hey prayers never hurt.”

Representatives of most religious groups in the city came offering a commitment to healing and hope.