Dozens of firefighters, family, and members of the community stood together at Alamo Plaza to remember fallen San Antonio hero Scott Deem.
Soliva Lauriano, born and raised in San Antonio, made sure she claimed her spot in front of the Alamo two hours before the ceremony started.
"I think it's just right to pay tribute," Lauriano said. "We're just family, you know? And I think about what happened and I just don't want that to happen to my Vincent."
Deem died fighting a massive fire at the Ingram Square Shopping Center last year.
A subsequent report by the Texas State Fire Marshal called his death “preventable,” and department leaders pledged to learn from their mistakes. Two other firefighters were also injured during the fire.
Kris Dean, an SAFD firefighter and artist, dedicated a work of art to honor Deem and his legacy.
"I think it's a great reminder and a very unique way to have a really nice memorial for Scott," Dean said.
Deem was a San Antonio native and a six-year veteran of the fire department.
He graduated from Southwest High School in 2004 and joined the fire academy for SAFD seven years later.
Deem is survived by his wife and three children.