MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's Fire Prevention Week in Milwaukee, a fitting time to remember the firefighters who lost their lives trying to save others from fires.

The annual Firefighters Memorial Ceremony was held Wednesday, Oct. 7.

Mayor Barrett and other city leaders paid their respects Wednesday to the firefighters lost over the years.

Retiring Chief Mark Rohlfing talked about how it was important to honor the sacrifice of those men and women, but he also said there's another important reason to hold this ceremony.

"We're also here to thank them for their contribution to our knowledge and ultimately our safety," said Chief Rohlfing. "Their deaths help provide us with valuable lessons so that other firefighters wouldn't die in similar situations."

The last Milwaukee firefighter lost to the department was Darrin Jones. 

He died in February, after 29 years of service, only months from his retirement.