On Thanksgiving evening, Atlanta Fire Rescue firefighter Stephen Solomon was critically injured in a structural fire when he was caught in a flashover. He died 5 days later. Services were held for him today in his hometown of Macon, GA. I had the sad duty of attending the funeral with some 1000 fellow firefighters from all over GA. It was a very moving sight to see row upon row of firefighters marching 4 abrest the two miles thru downtown Macon from the funeral home to the civic center where the service was held. His casket was carried on the back of a 1947 model L Mack open-cab engine. After the service the casket was placed on the back of Atlanta Engine 16, his company. I drove our Peachtree City Spartan Gladiator/Rosenbauer rescue engine in a one mile long + procession thru Macon to the cemetery. Stephen leaves behind a wife and 4 young children. I would ask all of my fellow board members to keep them in your prayers. Stephen died in a fire in a small one-storey, residential dwelling, so don't get complacent.