Prayers filled the chilly air at Port Erie Plastics Wednesday where Lawrence Park firefighter Michael Crotty was killed on duty last April 8th. The tears shed at Crotty's memorial service were quickly warmed by laughter and memories.

"There are so many fond memories of Mike and I training," says his cousin Megan. "Going up to the training tower. He actually took me on my first fire up there, so that's a big experience and I'm glad Mikey was such a big part of it.

It wasn't nearly as much about remembering his passing as it was about celebrating and learning from his dedication and heart. In a symbolic gesture, Michael's uncle Joe Crotty asked all firefighters wearing a black band around their badges to remove them. It was a way to symbolize Michael's presence among them. Within the many stories shared by loved ones was one constant- Michael's passion for serving, hard work, and helping others.

Joe Crotty said "There's few firefighters that have the "it" quality, that are physically, psychologically fit for the occupation, and Mike was hand-in-glove to this job."
 
As Crotty's family took time to remember Michael, other firefighers knew the mechanical malfunction in the ladder that took his life changed how their job is done.

Lieutenant Michael Beganics with the West Lake Fire Department:
"They basically did a re-check on everything, a safety mechanism to prevent that from happening again even with that pin being pinned in the waterway, with the pin not being in there, something there to stop it just in case."
 
But for Crotty's family and fellow firefighters, the impression he left could never be forgotten.

"Mikey's always...his spirit's always going to be with us," says Joe. "In his short life, he burned brightly and we're going to make sure that that flame goes on forever."

Crotty's family also says they're continuing to plan for a memorial training facility bearing Michael's name as well as preparing for the second annual motorcycle run coming up June 27th; they say that's something that's helped them cope w/the loss.