The City of Philadelphia held their Annual Memorial Service on May 4, 2005 in honor of the Police Officers and Firefighters who lost their lives in the Line of Duty.
The event was held at the Living Flame Memorial, Franklin Square, Sixth and Race Streets in Philadelphia. This years event was honoring two Philadelphia Firefighters - Captain John Taylor, a 32 year veteran of the Department, and Firefighter Rey Rubio, a 13 year veteran of the Department. Both died at the same fire on August 20, 2004. They were assigned to Engine Company 28.
Participating at the ceremony was Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street, Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers, Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson, along with many other dignitaries and clergy.
Also attending were the Police and Fire Color Guards, Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums Bands, Philadelphia Police Department Rifle Team, and Police Department Buglers.
Various organizations placed flower wreaths during the ceremony. These included the Philadelphia Firefighters' Spouses Association, Families of Police and Firefighters, Fraternal Order of Police, Philadelphia Lodge #5, Philadelphia Firefighters Union, Local 22, Hero Scholarship Fund, League of the Scared Heart of Jesus, Shomrim Society, American Legion Police Post 937, and the Polish Police Association.
Hundreds of on and off-duty police and firefighters attended this ceremony.
