Firefighters showed just how resilient they are this week.
Despite the government shut down, thousands showed up in Maryland to salute the families of fallen heroes.
Frederick and Howard county fire and rescue personnel open their doors to house and feed the visiting firefighters who turned out to assist with National Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial Weekend.
With the federal campus gated, there was angst that the families and colleagues would not be allowed to visit the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial.
The mother of a fallen hero, Cathy Hedrick, told Firehouse.com during an interview: “
“Shame on Congress.”
Once again, the fire service prevailed. While there weren't loud cheers, organizers were pleased nonetheless. USFA Administrator Ernie Mitchell, FEMA Director Craig Fugate and Congressman Steny Hoyer, D-Md., were the ones responsible for getting the gates open.
Firehouse.com was there when the families visited the memorial and watched the laying of the Presidential wreath.
A video showing a close call is still being shared – days after it was posted.
Watch and learn from the video from Hoover, Ala.
Two stories this week came from West, Texas where 10 responders were killed in April in a blast at a chemical plant.
OSHA officials, who had not inspected the West Fertilizer Plant since 1982, cited owners with violations that included improper storage of chemicals and failure to have an emergency operations plan.
Read about the plant's safety violations.
Meanwhile, an outspoken former West paramedic pleaded guilty to possession of bomb making materials.
Bryce Reed, who helped evacuate nursing home residents, was arrested weeks after the deadly blast that killed some of his friends.
Authorities have said there is no evidence connecting him to the incident.
Fire chiefs also were in the news this week.
The man at the helm of the Prescott Fire Department, home of the Granite Mountain Hot Shots says it wasn't his idea to step down.
See what former the chief has to say.
And, on Thursday, Los Angeles Chief Brian Cummings was asked by his mayor to resign amid controversy surrounding response times.
He will remain on the job during a transitional period.
In Ohio, however, an ousted chief has donned his white helmet again.
Read what all the fuss was about.
Also, while fire and rescue officials attending National Fire Academy classes were booted off campus, the military decided Army, Navy and Air Force football games could go on as planned.