On Wednesday, a solemn and deeply moving memorial service was held at the Volunteer Firemen’s Memorial monument on the south lawn of the Texas Capitol. The event, hosted by the State Firefighters and Fire Marshals Association of Texas, brought together families, firefighters, and community members to pay tribute to the brave volunteer firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Among those honored were Zeb Smith of the Fritch Volunteer Fire Department and Scott Glass of Perryton Fire EMS. These men gave their all, not just in fighting fires but in serving and protecting their communities. Their sacrifices remind us of the true cost of public service and the selflessness it demands.
A Community’s Deep Gratitude
Texas House Representative Caroline Fairly spoke at the service, emphasizing the courage and commitment of volunteer firefighters, particularly in rural communities.
“The firemen that we have in our rural communities, they’re willing to sacrifice their lives to serve and to defend farmlands and ranchers, and it’s really important that we remember that and we honor that.”
Volunteer firefighters are often the first line of defense for many small towns and rural areas. Unlike career firefighters, they don’t do this work full-time or for a paycheck—they do it out of duty, passion, and love for their communities. They leave their families in the middle of the night, rush into danger, and stand strong in the face of nature’s worst.
Remembering Zeb Smith and Scott Glass
The stories of Zeb Smith and Scott Glass are heartbreaking yet inspiring.
Zeb Smith, the fire chief for Fritch, sustained injuries while fighting a house fire last year. He continued to work tirelessly for more than a week on what became Texas’ largest wildfire. His mother, Lisa Smith, shared the bittersweet reality of the loss:
“As hard as this year has been, it’s been a blessing with the outpouring of things like this that we know that they’re never going to be forgotten.”
Harold White, the current Fritch Fire Chief, spoke about how deeply Zeb’s absence is felt:
“It’s heartbreaking to his family and his kids, by all means. It’s memories that they’ll always have with him, but unfortunately, he’s not here to enjoy the future with them.”
Zeb’s legacy is one of bravery, leadership, and joy. His mother recalled how he “lived large” and had a laugh that could light up a room. His impact will forever be felt in the Fritch community.
Scott Glass, the assistant chief in Perryton, suffered serious head injuries while working on a fire in October. His loss is yet another reminder of the hidden dangers firefighters face, even beyond the immediate flames. His dedication to service and his commitment to keeping others safe defined his life’s work.
A Ceremony of Honor and Remembrance
The memorial service was rich in tradition, ensuring that these heroes were honored with the respect they deserved. The event included:
✅ A bell-ringing ceremony, a timeless firefighter tradition symbolizing a final call to service.
✅ The solemn sound of bagpipes, a tribute often played at firefighter funerals.
✅ The reading aloud of each fallen firefighter’s name, ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten.
✅ Families receiving roses and flags that had flown over the Texas Capitol, as a token of honor and remembrance.
✅ Each firefighter’s name being engraved onto the Volunteer Firemen’s Memorial Monument, a lasting tribute to their heroism.
More Than Just Firefighters—They Were Family
As Representative Fairly noted, the impact of a fallen firefighter extends far beyond the individual. Their families sacrifice too, living with the uncertainty, the late-night calls, and, in the worst cases, the unimaginable loss.
“I wish I had the words to fix and to help with the pain and sorrow of the situation. I’m mainly thankful to get to talk with them, meet with them, and just support their families.”
For the Smith family, the day was both a painful reminder of their loss and a chance to celebrate Zeb’s incredible life.
“Zeb lived large; everything he did was large. He had a lot of laughter. If he said something, he would laugh, and he had a special kind of laugh that would brighten up a room.”
A Lasting Legacy
Firefighters don’t just fight flames; they protect homes, families, and dreams. Volunteer firefighters, in particular, give of themselves without expectation of reward. Their only payment is the knowledge that they made a difference.
The names Zeb Smith and Scott Glass now stand among the brave few who gave everything for their communities. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy will live on in the hearts of their families, fellow firefighters, and the towns they served.
To all the firefighters—both career and volunteer—who put their lives on the line every single day, we owe you our deepest gratitude.
