Hundreds gather to say goodbye
Story and photos by Suzanne Loudamy

An honor guard precedes the fire trucks carrying the caskets of Capt. Kevin Williams and Firefighter Austin Cheek.

"We often have a distorted view of what a hero is," said Doug DuPree, a Cheek family friend. "A hero puts others before himself. A hero is a true servant. These men were heroes."

These words and many more like them have been spoken over and over as friends and family of Capt. Kevin Williams and Firefighter Austin Cheek shared their memories with the world this week.

Williams and Cheek were killed Aug. 3 in a blaze they battled in Flint. See obituaries page 2A.

The days since the fire and the death of the men have been filled with tears, grief and pride. These men are the first to lose their life in the line of duty as a volunteer firefighter in Smith County.

This band of brothers (and sisters) is a tight clan. The skin under the protective gear of the firefighter is pretty thick but even the toughest of hearts were broken as they dealt with the tragic loss of their comrades.

This drawing was displayed at the joint memorial for Kevin Williams and Austin Cheek. The words are from Galations 6:9, "Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Other photos and mementos were on display in memory of the two firefighters.

Friends, family and a grateful community joined together to wish a fond farewell to these fallen heroes in a joint memorial service on Monday.

Hundreds of mourners attended as firefighters from across the state gathered for a processional formation as two fire trucks served to carry the caskets of Williams and Cheek to the entrance of the Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler. Leading the ceremonial group were an escort of Tyler PD motorcycles followed by fire department Celtic bagpipes and drum corp.

Williams graduated from Berkner High School in Richardson in 1983. He served in the United States Air Force during Desert Storm. His service continued at home as captain of the Noonday Fire Department.

Service was a word used many times over as friends talked about Williams. Chuck Colley spoke about his friend during the funeral.

Firefighter Austin Cheek is memorialized on the front of the truck that bore his casket to the memorial service. Proudly displaying his photo and gear, the truck was draped with black fabric and a wreath.

"There is no greater love than this, to lay down one's life for his friends," Colley said. "Kevin has lived this scripture. It's the greatest act one can do for another."

Cheek graduated from Whitehouse High School in 2006. He had carefully and meticu- lously planned the days of his future. Cheek talked of becoming a firefighter while still in high school.

"I remember when Austin talked about being a fireman," said Pat Richard, Cheek's former principal. "He even did a report on it in class. He had really found his niche and he was so excited about his future."

One of his former teachers, Marilyn Meyer, recalled Cheek's special smile.

"Austin always came in the door with a smile, even in hard times," Meyer said. "He came by to see me in May to show me his truck and let me know of his plans to marry. It was amazing to see how much he had matured. He was such a fine gentleman."

Williams

Cheek's joy was recalled by family friend Doug DuPree during the joint memorial service. "Austin was always joyful, always a respectful young man with a spring in his step.

"Austin leaves us with the challenge of what are we going to do. Don't just dream. Get up and do something. Be inspired. That's what Austin would want you to do."

Near the close of the service Noonday Fire Chief Gary Aarant shared the firefighters' prayer:
When I am called to duty, God
Whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age,
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate
Enable me to be alert and
Hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out
I want to fill my calling and
To give the best in me,

Cheek

To guard my every neighbor and
Protect his property
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your protecting hand
My children and my wife.

The ceremonial ringing of the bell in memory of those who died in the line of duty is an age-old tradition of the Fire Services that dates back over 150 years. The tradition reflects respect and honor to those who gave their lives to their duty. A distinctive bell ringing marks the end of an emergency and a return to quarters.

In keeping with tradition, three bells rang to signal the end of duty for Capt. Kevin Williams and Firefighter Austin Cheek.