Firefighters from around world honor Gordon

Firefighters from across the globe joined Greater Cincinnati on Tuesday in mourning the loss of firefighter Daryl Gordon, as well as celebrating his sacrifice and life.

Parts of the worldwide network of firefighters descended Tuesday on Cincinnati for Gordon's public viewing at Duke Energy Convention Center in Downtown. Many will stay through Wednesday night to participate in the funeral procession, service, cemetery service and celebration of life.

Gordon's funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral at 325 W. Eighth St. He died Thursday while on duty at a Madisonville apartment fire after falling down an elevator shaft.

Outside the convention center, an American flag tossed in the wind against blue skies while flying at half-staff. Ohio Gov. John Kasich announced flags will again fly at half-staff Wednesday at public buildings in Hamilton County and at the Statehouse.

The sidewalks were thick with fire officials bedecked in "parade dress" – firefighters' formal attire.

The colorful shoulder patches adorning the many uniforms to emerge from Gordon's viewing evidenced the worldwide ripple emanating from Gordon's death.

London was represented by some of its fire officials, as was Montreal. Stateside, representatives from St. Louis, Toledo and other municipalities were on hand.

Each department's representatives, including Chris Ross, vice president of a firefighters' association in Montreal (the Association des Pompiers de Montreal Inc.) were of the same mindset: No matter the distance, there was never a doubt they would come to honor their brother's sacrifice.

"(Firefighters are) a very tight-knit family. That's something I believe that only other firefighters can understand when they suffer a loss. It's important that we show up," Ross said. "We stand side by side in supporting our brothers, and we thank the citizens of Cincinnati, as we thank the citizens across North American for the support they give to their firefighters on a normal basis."

Ross said he's here to mourn with regular Cincinnatians, too, adding, "We're sorry for Cincinnati's loss."

Brian Byrd, deputy chief of the Toledo Fire Department, shared similar thoughts.

Byrd brought with him to Gordon's viewing the memories of two Toledo firefighters killed during a blaze in January 2014 said the road to closure could be a long one.

"There's firefighters from all over the country and probably all over the world here. ... To put it simply, this is what we do. We support each other. The fire department is like one big family. ... There's not really a better way to say it," Byrd said. "It's only right for us to come and give the same support so many gave to Toledo.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Gordon's family. They've probably heard this a thousand times but they've got a family for life in the fire service."