Fallen Claremore Firefighter Honored By International Association

A Claremore firefighter who died during devastating flooding last spring now has his name on the International Association of Firefighters Wall of Honor.

Not far from Pike's Peak in Colorado Springs, the Fallen Firefighter Memorial lists hundreds of names on a Wall of Honor.

"It's a little overwhelming to see their names on the wall," said Claremore firefighter Chris Hayes.

Hayes listened with family and friends as honor guard members from across the country announced firefighters' names.

78 died in the line of duty last year.

Captain Jason Farley drowned in a storm drain in May of 2015 while rescuing people from rising floodwaters.

"We know every day we go to work we have a dangerous job,” said Hayes. “You kind of brush it off and then when things like this happen it does put it into perspective. It's overwhelming at times."

The International Association of Firefighters says the ceremony is meant to be uplifting, and celebrate the firefighters' lives.

"Jason was a great guy,” Hayes stated. “He was very athletic. He was the best at everything"

Hayes says Saturday marks a "final closure" for his fellow firefighter and friend, who served for 19 years with the department.

"Seeing his name on the wall is difficult, puts a finality to it," said Hayes.

Farley isn't the only Claremore firefighter recognized on the wall. Hayes says two others who died in a business fire in1985 will always be remembered.