ANCHORAGE, Alaska—
Hundreds of Alaskans paid their respects to a father and fallen firefighter Friday. Andy Mullen, 45, recently died of cancer which doctors say was caused by smoke inhalation on the job. At his memorial service, family members and friends remembered his zest for life.Mullen, who worked at the Anchorage Fire Department for 13 years, was issued badge number 1296. At Friday’s service, his comrades presented his family with the badge he proudly wore while serving his community.
For the men and women at Mullen's memorial, his death leaves a hole in their family. It's a painful reminder of the dangerous profession they choose to work in every day, but these men and women proudly took part to say thanks to Mullen, as well as the wife and three daughters he leaves behind.
Friends say Mullen lived his life to the fullest. He hiked mountains all over the world -- but instead of racing to the top, he chose to take it slow and enjoy the ride.
He mapped out a course for those he met along his journey, leaving behind a legacy of love.
“The way he lived life, he taught us all how to be a better friend, spouse -- and specifically, you taught me how to better enjoy life, to walk slowly,” said Mullen’s friend Clay Schmidt.
Friends say Mullen's greatest joy in life came from spending time with his family, but he also had a passion for serving his community as a firefighter.
Just as a bell calls firefighters into a burning building, it lets firefighters know when the fire is out and the shift is over -- but every once in a while, the sound signifies a different kind of homecoming. On Friday, hundreds listened as the bell called their friend and fallen firefighter home.
Mullen's death is the first of an Anchorage firefighter in the line of duty since 1976.
Contact Jackie Bartz at jbartz@ktuu.com
