HUH? I agree with Giuseppe . . in my almost 20 years as a Firefighter, I've never heard of any such rule either??? I think that would be a personal choice, not a departmental.

I've only been to a few Firefighter funerals and, they are all tear jerkers. I know this sounds odd but, when I hear the Amazing Grace being played on pipes, I want to start crying. In my almost 20 years, I've only experienced the loss of a close fellow Firefighter, he was from my Company. That was the hardest thing that I've ever had to deal with. It was the first time I had to deal with a loss on a close, personal level . . he was a very good friend of mine. I think I cried for about a year straight.

About 4 and a half years ago, we lost a Firefighter here in Jefferson County, Kentucky . . it was great to see our brothers and sisters come from all around the area and state to pay their respects.

I know this sounds odd but, I appreciate you sharing your story. Though I do not know each of them personally, it hits home when I hear of a loss of a brother or sister. Sadly, on average, we lose about 100+ Firefighters annually in the US (these are Line of Duty Deaths).