BY KEVIN ALDRIDGE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
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Cincinnati Fire Lt. Jerrold Ware, right, is still recovering from burns and injuries suffered in a August 1997 fire.
(Glenn Hartong photo)
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Standing amid a sea of firefighters with his two daughters at his side, Lieutenant Jerrold Ware didn't want to draw attention to himself.
After all, he -- like most of those in the crowd -- was at Fountain Square Friday to pay tribute to Tristate firefighters killed in the line of duty.
But Lt. Ware, the city's 1997 firefighter of the year, said the opening ceremony of the 1998 memorial parade has added meaning for him.
Critically injured during a daring fire rescue more than a year ago, Lt. Ware is regarded as a hero who represents the essence of the ceremony. He was one of seven Cincinnati firefighters who battled an Aug. 30, 1997, fire in North Fairmount that saved the life of a 4-year-old girl, Genine Gray. (WARE STORY LIST)
"This is a great (event)," he said. "We need to keep doing this every year. It is important that we honor and show our gratitude for these people who gave their lives for us."
Family, friends and curious passersby crowded Fountain Square for the opening ceremony, then lined Vine and Sixth streets to watch the firefighters march to the fire memorial statue at Sixth Street and Central Avenue.
"This is a very solemn service for all firefighters, not just those from Cincinnati," said Cincinnati firefighter Tom Donovan, a firefighter for 32 years. "This is a time for us to share a moment of silence in recognition of our departed brothers and sisters."
Speakers at the ceremony praised the dedication and character of firefighters who walk the tightrope between life and death.
"Fortunately for us it has been 20 years since we've had an "in the line of duty death,' " Mark Sanders, president of the Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union Local 48, said. "And while we are glad about that, we still need to recognize those before us that have given their lives for this city.
Added Cincinnati Police Chief Robert Wright: "All of us here are better today and tomorrow because of what these men and women did. We must honor their memory not just today . . . but every day."
Forty-two firefighters -- all but three of them retired -- died in the last year and were honored during a "last roll call."
Among them were firefighters from Clearcreek and Washington Township, Bellevue, Covington, Felicity-Franklin, Reading, Madeira and Indian Hill.
Cincinnati Mayor Roxanne Qualls spoke of the character involved in firefighting.
"To put your lives on the line and take risks that at times could result in your death is a remarkable show of courage, heroism and character," she said.
The Cincinnati Fire Division employs 839 employees. The department reported approximately 135 firefighter injuries during the past year.
Jerrold Ware story file
FOUR FIREFIGHTERS HURT IN RESCUE Aug. 31, 1997
HOW IT HAPPENED (96K GIF) Aug. 31, 1997
BURNED RESCUER ASKS FATE OF LITTLE GIRL Sept. 1, 1997
FELLOW FIREFIGHTER KNOWS WARE'S PAIN Sept. 1, 1997
SIXTH SENSE WARNED OF DANGER Sept. 1, 1997
RESCUED GIRL, MOM PRAY FOR FIREFIGHTER Sept. 2, 1997
FIREMAN'S HEROISM IN CHARACTER Cliff Radel column, Sept. 5, 1997
TRUE HEROISM COMES OFF THE FIELD Paul Daugherty column, Sept. 21, 1997
EVERYDAY HERO HEADS HOME Cliff Radel column, Sept. 26, 1997
FIREMAN LEAVES HOSPITAL TO CHEERS Sept. 27, 1997
FIREFIGHTERS HONOR HEROES, DEAD Sept. 27, 1997
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