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Relatives honor West first responders in video

Posted at 3:49 PM, Apr 25, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-25 16:50:59-04

WACO, Texas (AP) - Family members are paying tribute to the first responders who died in the West fertilizer plant explosion.

Video messages from family members were played Thursday during a memorial service in Waco. President Barack Obama, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and thousands of attendees watched relatives of the 10 first responders and 2 honorary first responders speak about their loved ones.

Relatives of West volunteer firefighter and city secretary Joey Pustejovsky (poo-stah-JOW'-skee) said they would miss his smile, his strong hugs and his commitment to his family.

The brother-in-law of Cody Dragoo, another volunteer firefighter, remembered how Dragoo would leave notes for his wife, Patty, when he was traveling, and how he loved hunting and NASCAR.

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