DeKalb County fire departments lined up for a silent parade Sunday to remember firefighters killed in the United States last year.

A memorial service followed in Maple Park, with an address given by state representative David Wirsing.

The parade wound through the county with emergency lights flashing, but without sirens.

About 15 fire vehicles started the parade in Cortland shortly after 11 a.m. and made their way west on Route 38 to DeKalb.

Three DeKalb fire vehicles joined DeKalb’s ladder truck in the parade as it came into town.

Most of the communities had a truck present for the length of the parade and had additional trucks join as the parade went through their town.

The rotation was designed to ensure the towns would not lack fire protection during the four-to-five-hour parade.

DeKalb Fire Chief Lanson Russell said the parade is a good way to honor firefighters around the country who gave their lives.

“They call us a brotherhood,” Russell said. “It’s just one way for all of us to show that we keep them and their families in our hearts and in our prayers.”

In 2002, 100 on-duty firefighters were killed in the U.S.

The parade, organized by the DeKalb County Fireman’s Association, also marks the beginning of Fire Prevention Week.