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Memorial planned for fallen firefighters in Crowley County

Story By: David Ortiviz
Source: KOAA

A public memorial has been planned for the two volunteer firefighters who died battling a massive wildfire in Ordway on Tuesday.

Sgt. Terry DeVore and Officer John Schwartz were both fathers and worked for the state prison in Ordway. They were crossing an old wooden bridge along Highway 96 when it gave way, the fire had apparently burned through the 71 year old structure and with the thick smoke the men just couldn't see it.

Outside town hall in Olney Springs is a flag lowered to half staff, to honor the two fallen firefighters. "It was a shock, you don't think anything like that happens in your little town,” said Shanan Westfall, a restaurant owner in Olney Springs.

DeVore, a husband and father of four, grew up in Olney Springs. “(he was) a very outspoken jokester funny individual, and a good father," said John Palamino, a firefighter with the Olney Springs Volunteer Fire Department.

Schwartz, a father of three, had only served with the volunteer fire department for a month but his dedication shined.

"In that short period of time, we had four maybe five fires and he made every single one of them,” said Palamino.

Palamino was one of the first to arrive on scene after the fatal accident happened. "You always have to be optimistic and think of the best and that's what we were hoping and praying for,” said Palamino.

 Sadly, he soon realized both men had died.

 "I've talked to a couple of them and they're devastated. They were this close and it could have been more than just the two that we lost,” said Westfall.

 The five remaining colleagues from the volunteer fire department are wearing black stripes on their badges to honor their fallen brothers. Two men who will forever be remembered for their bravery and courage.

 A memorial service is planned for Saturday April 19 for the two volunteer firefighters.

 The service starts at 10 a.m. at the Ordway high school gym.  The public is invited to attend.

Maintenance crews have temporarily repaired the bridge where the firefighters died and highway 96 has been reopened.