SAN ANTONIO –
Tow truck drivers hit the streets Sunday with flags waving from their trucks and pain in their hearts as they honored fallen firefighter Scott Deem.
The rolling tribute was an overwhelming show of community support.
“We work with fire, police department guys all the time. We know what it feels like to lose a brother or sister,” said Jarrett Granado, a tow truck driver. “We just wanted to show our support to not only the San Antonio Fire Department, but Scott’s family as well, to let them know they do have people that care.”
“It made my chest heavy. You feel a lump in your stomach and lump in (your) throat. It was very emotional and it was hard not to cry,” said Matthew Oliver, a tow truck driver.
From Interstate 10 and Loop 1604 to along Loop 410 to the site of the four-alarm fire that killed Deem and injured two other firefighters, the procession ended at nearby Gustafson Stadium.
“I could have never imagined we'd probably have 100 or so wreckers coming to the parking lot all in a convoy and the outpouring of support. These guys support us every day out on the highway on these traffic incidents that we make,” said Capt. Jarrett Vocke, with San Antonio Fire Station 35. “We try to work as a team together. But (I) would have never imagined the kind of support we would get from these guys out here.”
The group of drivers showed their sympathies, gratitude and respect to the firemen they work alongside nearly every day, with hugs and very special memento for Ladder 35 and for Deem’s family. Each was given a set of three plaques, Including one of Deem and one with the fireman's prayer.
“(I) just want to thank you for having our back every day on the street and especially today for thinking of us at a time like this. We really appreciate it,” Vocke said.
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