'Your sacrifice will never be forgotten': Fallen Mississippi firefighters honored

'Your sacrifice will never be forgotten': Fallen Mississippi firefighters honored

'Your sacrifice will never be forgotten': Fallen Mississippi firefighters honored

A ceremony was held Tuesday morning to honor fallen firefighters in the state.

The Mississippi State Fire Academy, the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association and the Mississippi Firefighters Association gathered at the fire academy in Jackson.

Officials said there have been at least 126 fallen firefighters who were honored dating back to 1885.

Sadly, a new name was recognized on the memorial wall outside the academy, North Pearl River County Fire & Rescue's Billy Creel.

Officials said Creel was in a fire truck on his way back from training when it crashed, killing him back in December 2025.

Pearl River County Fire Coordinator John Klingenberger said, "It's one of those moments that you never want to have to go through, especially in a leadership position, but it's very sombering, and it reminds us that life is short, and the important job that we do, it can be deadly at times, but it's always good to be here and recognize our fallen firefighter and be able to remember him."

Pearl River County Fire & Rescue posted on social media saying in part, "Pearl River County Fire & Rescue will always remember Billy for his service, his dedication, and his commitment to protecting others. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his name will forever remain a part of our department's history ... Rest easy, Billy. Your service is remembered. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten."