CSFD Driver/Engineer added to Fallen Firefighter Memorial Wall of Honor

The name of fallen Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) Driver/Engineer Bobby Keese has been added to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Wall of Honor at the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs. This is a solemn milestone for CSFD as this marks the first time in over a decade a CSFD firefighter's name has been etched into the wall. On September 21st, Bobby's name, along with more than 300 others, will be read and honored during the annual Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial service.

Bobby Keese passed away on October 20, 2023 in relation to risks and exposures associated with firefighting duties. Bobby joined CSFD on May 17, 1993 and served 30 years with the department, 24 of those years spent as a driver/engineer. Bobby grew up in the fire service. following his father who joined the department in 1969 and served at CSFD as a driver/engineer.

"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 Fire Chief Randy 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. We are honored and proud of his years of service to our community and department, and are grateful that his name will be etched among his fallen brothers and sisters at this sacred memorial."

"This week is the International Association of Firefighters annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial. This hallowed memorial has been here since the early 80s and has been supported by the Colorado Springs Professional Firefighters Local 5 for that same time frame. It has and always will be an honor to be part of this memorial for the City of Colorado Springs and its firefighters. This year Local 5 and the CSFD grieve with the family and friends of the 308 other firefighters going on the wall, as we are putting one of our own members on," said Curt Crumb, Colorado Springs Professional Firefighters Local 5 President. "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. The loss of Bobby is a void that will not be filled. 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. 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."

Every September the IAFF holds the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial service 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.

For more information on the memorial please go to iaff.org/fffm.