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May 10, 2008 8:10 pm US/Mountain
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4 Names Added To Fallen Firefighters Memorial
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) ―
Four names were added to the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Memorial Saturday in Belmar Park.
Captain Shane Stewart, Gert "Jerry" Marais, Terry Devore and John Schwartz were all killed this year in the line of duty. Their names join 131 other names of fallen firefighters.
"Their dedication and courage gives each of us a greater sense of security because we know that they will respond to our call for help," said Bob Brown, President of Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Family members and firefighters from across the state came to remember the names forever etched in stone.
"It's really an honor for us to be here to be able to celebrate Shane's life and see the effect that it has," said Cindy Stewart, Capt. Shane Stewart's widow. "It's a sad day but a happy day."
Captain Stewart was killed when his vehicle rolled on his way to fight a fire. He volunteered the past three years.
"I'm very proud of my husband," Stewart said. "The fact that he would go out there and spend his time helping other people was always just amazing"
She now looks after their two young sons who are still trying to deal with the loss of their father.
"The children have good days and bad days," Stewart said. "They know their father was doing good for the community and as they get older they'll appreciate that."
The memorial will offer her sons and others a place where their loved ones will be forever remembered.
"My sons can come here and bring their children and I just think that's fantastic," Stewart said.
Bagpipes played and 135 doves were released at the ceremony to represent the total number of officers who lost their lives.
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