Fallen Dallas Firefighter Laid To Rest In Greenville
GREENVILLE (CBSDFW.COM) - On Friday, final respects were paid to fallen Dallas Firefighter Todd Krodle.
Members of fire departments from across the nation made the trip to North Texas for the funeral of Lieutenant Todd Krodle. The nearly 18-year department veteran died over the weekend after falling through the roof of an apartment while fighting a three-alarm blaze.
During the funeral Krodle's long time friend Becky Black said she was not surprised the 41-year-old husband and father put his life after others.
"See people like me have to carry a card that says I'm third, to remind me that I have to put God first in my life, that I'll put others second and that I'll be third," Black told the hundreds of people at the Highland Terrace Baptist Church in Caddo Mills. "I have to carry the card to remind me. Todd's life was a reminder that he was third."
Other friends called Krodle a quiet man who devoted his time to family and church.
Two Dallas Fire Rescue ladder trucks hoisted a giant American flag above the street next to the church before the funeral service began. Along with firefighters and high-ranking Dallas Fire Rescue commanders, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and several city council members attended the service.
Dallas Fire Rescue Interim Fire Chief Louie Bright had specific words that distinguished Krodle. "Dedication, commitment, sacrifice and honor," he said to the congregation definitively. "As I stood alone last night, viewing the slideshow during the visitation, it became clear to me that these words not only describe Todd as a firefighter but they also spoke about his way of living."
Krodle is survived by his wife, Kelli, and two children.
