~ Colorado Springs, CO - The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Wall of Honor at the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs has a new addition. The name of fallen Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) Driver/Engineer Bobby Keese has been etched into the wall, marking a solemn milestone for the department. This is the first time in over a decade that a CSFD firefighter's name has been added to the memorial.

On September 21st, during the annual Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial service, Bobby's name will be read and honored along with more than 300 others who have also made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Bobby Keese passed away on October 20, 2023 due to risks and exposures associated with his firefighting duties. He had served with CSFD for 30 years, with 24 of those years spent as a driver/engineer.

Bobby's father was also a member of CSFD, joining in 1969 and serving as a driver/engineer. Following in his father's footsteps, Bobby joined the department on May 17, 1993 and dedicated his life to serving his community.

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Fire Chief Randy Royal expressed his sadness at having to add one of their own to the memorial this year. "Being the host city for the IAFF Fire Fighter Memorial, we have seen hundreds of names added to the wall from across the US and Canada. Sadly, this year we will be even more intimately participating in the service by adding one of our own," said Chief Royal. "D/E Keese was a cherished member of our department and a respected leader and mentor. He had a direct influence on many of our staff but particularly young firefighters and new drivers as he was a part of their learning new skills, obtaining certifications and thus serving our community at a higher level."

The Colorado Springs Professional Firefighters Local 5 President Curt Crumb also expressed his condolences and shared his memories of Bobby. "Bobby Keese was all things great about firefighters. All things great about being human. His mentorship, dedication and friendship touched and guided so many of our current firefighters," said President Crumb. "The loss of Bobby is a void that will not be filled."

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The IAFF holds the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial service every September to honor the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Thousands from all over the United States and Canada gather to pay tribute to the fallen.

Local 5 President Crumb also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Bobby's family, both at home and within the fire department. "Local 5 wants to thank his family for allowing Bobby to pursue the career his father took, and allowing Bobby into all of our lives," he said. "We also want to extend our sincere condolences to the family knowing that what Bobby's chosen profession was, ultimately was what took him away from his family at home, and his fire family in the station."

For more information on the memorial, please visit iaff.org/fffm. The CSFD and Local 5 will continue to honor Bobby's memory and legacy as they join together with thousands of others in paying tribute to fallen firefighters at this year's memorial service.

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