Hundreds Honor Fallen Claremore Firefighter, Family

The Claremore community, along with firefighters from across eastern Oklahoma, mourned the loss of one of their own Monday.

Monday, May 25th 2015, 11:37 pm

By: News On 6

Hundreds Honor Fallen Claremore Firefighter, Family

The Claremore community and firefighters from across eastern Oklahoma mourned the loss of one of their own Monday evening.

On Sunday, Fire Captain Jason Farley fell into a flooded drain pipe while helping a family stranded in the high water.

5/24/2015 Related Story: Claremore Firefighter Who Died During Flood Rescue Remembered

Monday evening, the community came together to show its support for Captain Farley's family, as firefighters and other people from the surrounding areas lined up along Highway 66.

Farley leaves behind a wife and daughter who were out of the country when he died in the line of duty.

Their flight landed in Tulsa Monday night and they were escorted by Claremore Police down the highway to their house.

All of the people we there to welcome them and let them know they aren't alone.

A husband, a firefighter, a father and a friend, Captain Farley was a 19-year veteran of the Claremore Fire Department who loved his job until the day he died.

"That great smile, great personality, fun loving guy; a family guy and he will be missed," said Sandy McGhee, IAFF Vice President.

Many showed their respect by bringing food and presents by the fire department; also leaving flags and crosses at a memorial dedicated to the fallen hero.

It's a site even his wife and daughter haven't been able to visit themselves because they were out of the country the night he died, making a tragic situation that much harder.

"When she comes home she is going to have a shock, and we realize that and want to give her the space and time to collect her thoughts," McGhee said.

Firefighters haven't left Farley's side and are taking turns standing watch 24 hours a day at the funeral home.

"We don't leave our own, we never leave a fire scene, we never leave an emergency without taking everyone with us, and because Jason has fallen, we aren't going to leave him alone the last few days on this Earth," said McGhee.

It's a firefighter tradition whenever one of their own dies in the line-of-duty.

"Show him the respect that he deserves," McGhee said.

Fire trucks escorted Firefighter Zane James home from the hospital Monday. He risked his life to try and save Farley and was also pulled into the drainage pipe.

Firefighters plan to remain by Farley and his family's side every step of the way.

Farley's funeral is expected to be held Saturday.