The mournful sound of bagpipes filled the Crowley County High School gymnasium Saturday morning as over 1,000 people gathered to honor the memories of Olney Springs volunteer firefighters, Chief Terry DeVore and fireman John Schwartz, Jr.

DeVore and Schwartz lost their lives Tuesday, April 15, responding to a fire threatening the town of Ordway. While traveling east on Highway 96 between Lanes 15 and 16, the men drove off a collapsed bridge sometime after 4 p.m. Heavy smoke and high winds had reduced visibility making it impossible to see the bridge had been destroyed by the fire.

DeVore and Schwartz each leave behind four children, parents and countless family and friends. DeVore’s wife, Jennifer, also survives.

Joining friends and families of the firefighters were officials from various agencies and a sea of uniformed representatives. Firefighters from departments all over the state of Colorado were in attendance as well as numerous other first responders and law enforcement. Military veterans attended in honor of Schwartz’s service in the first Gulf War.

Because DeVore and Schwartz were both employed at the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility in Crowely, Colorado Department of Correction officers turned out in mass to support and grieve with the families.

Olney Springs Acting Fire Chief Rusty Bennett shared memories of the two firemen he served with saying, “What can you say about two heroes that their actions have not already said?”

DeVore, who had fought fires in the Olney Springs area with his father, Bruce, since he was old enough to go along, was remembered for his exuberance and sense of humor.

Schwartz had been with the department only a few months but was said to have taken to it like he did life, whole-heartedly.

Bennett closed his remarks thanking all those who join the ranks of firefighters. “Truly, thank you for leaving your loved ones not sure if you’ll come home or not.”

Fellow firefighter John Bradshaw remembered joining the department around the same time DeVore did. He recounted stories of fighting fires with mismatched bunker gear and run-down equipment. Bradshaw told how on the second fire call he went on their fire truck had to be pulled by a pick-up because it wouldn’t start. “We looked like the Keystone Cops,” he laughed.

On a serious note, Bradshaw added, “We are down to five, six firefighters but when the page goes off, Olney Springs will be there.”

As the service continued with other poignant moments the two men’s lives and tragic deaths clearly had an impact on the community.

Ordway resident Rick Martinez spoke to the crowd saying “I've never had any heroes in my family, in my life, but I can tell you that I have two now and I'll never forget them.” He went on to thank the families for their sacrifice.

Sky Mae Bogner who babysat Schwartz’s sons told the story of their first meeting and how she spent hours riding one of the boys around on her horse. While still at the podium, the youngest, John Mason Schwartz, broke away from the audience and ran on stage into her arms.

Cecilia Bennett said, “They made the best of anything and everything, I want to make the best of their lives.”

Director Ari Zavaras fromDOC opened with, “As I look out on this sea of blue; DOC, law enforcement and fire crews, it is with a heavy heart I know this won’t be the last time this happens.

“Terry DeVore and John Schwartz were devoted and noble. They served the community in ways most don’t, both on and off duty.”

Zavaras shared how DeVore was fearless which made him a good fit for squad leader on the Arkansas Valley Emergency Response Team. A.V.E.R.T. is made up of the best of the best and is called in to deal with crisis situations such as riots. “Terry was a joker, but he was all business when he put on the black.”

Schwartz was remembered by Zavaras for his sense of duty and honor, saying his greatest sense of honor though was manifested in his calling as a father. Schwartz was also fondly remembered for the sacrifice he had to make when first joining the DOC in 2007, the drastic cut of his prized cowboy mustache.

State Representative Cory Gardner’s tribute from the Colorado House of Representatives and the Senate included the statement, “Thank God for sons in Crowley County like Terry and John.”

Rich in tradition and ceremony, the service included several presentations to the family.

CDOC presented a miniature Colorado flag and a special coin given out only in exceptional circumstances to each of the eight children and A.V.E.R.T gave DeVore’s family a plaque in commemoration of his service on their team.

Each family was presented with a United States flag that had flown over the state capitol in addition to flags from the CDOC Honor Guard. Those flags were presented “stripes out” signifying life lost in the line of duty.

A bell service directed by the Pueblo Fire Department Honor Guard is one of the highest honors bestowed. The special signal of three rings, indicates the firefighters will not be returning.

Perhaps most moving was the last alarm page ordered by Ordway Fire Chief Dale Dillon. DeVore and Schwartz were called for duty one last time followed by a moment of silence on the radio airwaves.

Dillon also thanked all the fire departments who had responded on Tuesday to help save the town.

Throughout the service the volunteer status of rural fire departments was commended. Often working with hand-me-downs from larger departments volunteers respond to emergencies out of a deep-rooted sense of duty to their communities, disregarding their own safety. “The word volunteer sets them apart. They don’t do it for the money, they do it purely out of concern for others,” stated Colorado Division of Fire Safety Director Kevin Kline.

The line from A Fireman’s Prayer, “I want to fill my calling, and to give the best in me. To guard my every neighbor, and protect their property,” was recurring throughout the service, summing up the life these two men chose.

In a separate service Friday afternoon, over 200 people attended a funeral service for Schwartz at the United Methodist Church in Fowler where Schwartz’s oldest son Cody honored his father with a reading of “The Keepers of this Town” commemorating his job as a guard at AVCF.

Schwartz was remembered for his deep love and dedication to his sons. “Those boys were his heart and soul,” shared Bennett.

As that service ended, a chorus of sirens from fire trucks lining Fowler’s Main Street bid farewell to Schwartz and his colleague, DeVore, who will forever be remembered as heroes.

A private funeral service for DeVore will be held at a later date.