Fire Capt. Benny Hutchins is remembered for the 34 years he spent with the department, serving in stations all over the city: Southwest, Overbrook, Lawncrest, South Philadelphia and Roxborough. He died last June after a medical emergency during a training exercise up at the Fire Academy in the Holmesburg section.
"We depend on our police officers and firefighters to respond for calls for help, despite the inherent dangers of their jobs," said City Managing Director Brian Abernathy.
Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel notes Hutchins was a longtime lieutenant and elevated to the rank of captain after his death.
"We bleed together, we freeze together, we mourn together, we hope together, and unfortunately sometimes, we die together," Thiel said.
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Police Commissioner Richard Ross gave his "heartfelt condolences to Hutchins' family, and all of the family and friends gathered who also lost loved ones."
Hutchins' sister, Betty, was grateful for the support.
"I like that they remember and honor him. We still respect him, he's still here. He helped people a lot. He was funny, amazing and caring, he was a jokester. I miss his jokes," she said.
Over the years, the annual service has honored more than 560 Philadelphia police officers and firefighters who gave their lives to serve the public.
The musical selections included a "Rendering of Honors" (a rifle salute, The Last Alarm, Taps and Amazing Grace). It ended with police and fire department buglers performing Echo Taps.