The Houston Fire Department (HFD) members, their families, and firefighters from across the region will host the annual firefighter mass, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart at 1111 St. Joseph Parkway to honor the legacy of those Houston firefighters who’ve sacrificed and put it all on the line.
This is more than just a service; it’s a moment to remember and reflect. The mass, which will be held Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 11 a.m., is open to the public and offers active and retired Houston firefighters to pray together, share in fellowship, and stand united as a community.
During the service, led by Father Jeffrey Bame, each name of a firefighter lost in the past year will be read aloud, with the ringing of bells echoing throughout the cathedral as a solemn tribute. The St. Florian Society, named after the patron saint of firefighters, has been instrumental in coordinating this heartfelt event, ensuring that every hero’s memory is honored.
Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz, a familiar face on the front lines, will be in attendance to join in the tribute and may address the media following the service.
The Sunday service is a sobering reminder that the dangers firefighters face extend far beyond flames and smoke. A study by the Federal Emergency Management Agency reveals that heart attacks are the number one cause of death for firefighters, often occurring during training, at the station, or even in the midst of ground support.
This service is not only a tribute but also a call to recognize the sacrifices made every day, often in unseen moments.