Walter Ferguson of Newburgh was one of the 118 highlighted Tuesday as a firefighter that gave his all to serve the community.

The 20th New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony honored the legacy of the men and women who have died in the line of duty. The fallen have their names placed on the memorial site, built at Albany's Empire State Plaza in 1997. The ceremony coincides with Fire Prevention Week each year.

According to the spouse of a firefighter who lost his life to Sept. 11, 2001-related cancer, the event is crucial to pay tribute.

"I feel it's important to say thank you, to him, to everyone," said Lisa Capobianco, spouse of fallen firefighter Carl Capobianco. "And honestly, we have grown as a family, not only my girls and I, but the fire department has rallied around us. They are our brothers and sisters in arms."

Some firefighters' names date back as early as the 1800s. As of this year's ceremony, there are more than 2,500 names on the wall.