The sound of honking horns wasn't loud enough to overpower the sound of dozens of adults and children screaming and cheering for their heroes Sunday afternoon.
Holding ''Welcome Back'' signs and colorful balloons and even four-legged friends lined the sidewalk in front of Miami Fire Department headquarters as a cavalry of pickup trucks, busses and 18-wheelers rolled in.
''I can't wait to see him,'' said Melinda Gleason, who was waiting for her husband, Miami firefighter Timothy Gleason to arrive. ''I missed him so much.''
The South Florida Urban Search and Rescue Team, comprised of 80 firefighters from agencies throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties, returned home after spending nearly two weeks helping Hurricane Katrina victims in the Gulf Coast.
''It is important that everyone shows their support for our local heroes,'' said Denise Zulueta, who was waiting for her husband, Miami firefighter David Zulueta.
Police cruisers from departments in Broward and Miami-Dade escorted the motorcade of back into town.
Miami's Deputy Fire Chief Maurice Kemp said it was only fitting that cavalry returned home on the same day the department unveiled a 10-foot bronze statue on its grounds memorializing New York firefighters who died Sept. 11. Firefighters raised more than $100,000 to have the statue built.
''We couldn't have scripted it better if we tried,'' he said. ''What better way to show our appreciation.''
The statue, which sits in front of the headquarters at 1151 NW Seventh St., is a life-size portrayal of a firefighter, geared-up to work, presumably looking at a fire up high.
Robert Barreto, who was waiting for his brother's arrival, thought the statue was a thank you gift for some local heroes.
''These are our heroes day in and day out,'' said Barreto. ''What better way to show them?''
For Captain Pete Gomez, the statue brought back some memories.
''I was part of the team that went to New York after 9-11,'' he said. ''This statue is pretty cool.''
Some firefighters were so happy to be home that many spent there first few minutes hugging there loved ones.
''It's hard to be away from your family for so long,'' said Miami fire district chief Julio Mestas.
''Seeing everyone here is overwhelming.''
The team stayed in Gulfport, Miss., where many of the casino barges were damaged.
Most days, the fire fighters worked 12 to 14 hours helping in the recovery effort.
The team was one of the first in the United States to arrive in the Gulf Coast and one of the last to return home, said Ignatius Carrol, Miami fire department spokesman.
The team brought along four rescue dogs, boats, six tractors and even a backhoe.
Now home, many of the firefighters said they were looking forward to sleep, hot meals and their family.
''Sleep is definitely in order,'' said Mike Caldaro, who is a Coral Springs fire fighter.
''That and a nice slice of pizza.''
Robert's Barreto's brother Fidel Barreto said he could probably sleep for 24-hours straight.
But he did say that his experience in the Gulf Coast was ''fulfilling.''
''The whole time I was there I knew I had something to come back to,'' he said.
''Many of the people we came across now have nothing.''
Most of Fidel Barreto's family had come out to welcome him home.
His niece, Cecilie,10, held up a sign which declared him as her hero. ''I am so proud of him,'' she said.
His mother, Maria, had planned a family dinner for Sunday evening with his favorite food: meatloaf, white rice and beans.
Fidel Barreto's father, also named Fidel, couldn't fight the tears.
''I have only cried twice because of him,'' he said. ''Once in 1961 when he arrived from Cuba when he was 4. And now.''
Distributed by the Associated Press
