Neighbors Remember Fallen Firefighters At Candlelight Vigil In Kensington
By Oren Lieberman
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Hundreds of neighbors held a community vigil in Kensington on Sunday evening to honor the memory of two Philadelphia firefighters who were killed in a devastating warehouse fire on Monday.
The week was full of heartache for the Philadelphia Fire Department and for the firefighters of Ladder 10. Dan Sweeney and Lieutenant Robert Neary died while battling a five alarm fire when a neighboring furniture store collapsed.
Lieutenant Neary had been with the department for 37 years, Sweeney for six years.
"We would like to show the families of the men who lost their lives that we support them, that we appreciate what they've done," said neighbor Bill Lorch. "Right now is a time for peace and to think of the families."
Services for the fallen firefighters allowed the community to grieve together as the extended family of firefighters surrounded the immediate family of the men who gave their lives in the line of duty.
"The loss of two lives is devastating to the neighborhood for this," neighbor Tom Potts said.
The community has put together fundraisers and vigils to comfort the families of the firefighters and to make sure they are taken care of.
Both Neary and Sweeney were laid to rest on Saturday.
