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.
The names of the first responders were later read aloud, with a bell rung after each name.
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, and his love of hunting and NASCAR.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
