SAN ANTONIO - Fallen firefighter Scott Deem's funeral is taking place at Community Bible Church Friday.
As KENS 5 reported, Deem was killed in a fire that broke out at the Ingram Square Shopping Center on the evening of May 18.
The 31-year-old was a husband and father. He has two children: Dakota and Tyler. Deem and his widow Jennifer also have a child on the way.
Deem graduated from Southwest High School in 2004 and seven years later he entered the fire academy for SAFD.
Watch KENS 5's extended coverage of Deem's funeral on Facebook.
At his funeral service, San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller said all who are honoring Deem make up one family Friday.
"He lived a very noble vocation in serving society, us, as a firefighter. Let us also pray for the restored health of Brad Phipps and the continued recuperation of Robert Vasquez, both of whom were injured in the same fire that took Scott's life," Garcia-Siller said.
He also said God has now called Deem home.
"God has now called him home, the same God that will help us get through the times of mourning his loss. God will gently wash away the tears in God's good time," Garcia-Siller said.
Chaplain Robert Emmitt of Community Bible Church directed heartfelt words toward Deem's wife and kids.
"Jennifer you and Dakota and Tyler and Aubrey and Susan you've made the ultimate sacrifice. And as we talked last week, this would be a long week and so the healing begins," Emmitt said.
Emmit also said the city must stand in unity through this hard time.
Mayor Ivy Taylor spoke at the ceremony thanking Deem's family for their sacrifice.
"On behalf of all San Antonians, thank you for your unimaginable sacrifice. I'm so sorry for your loss. And although I cannot imagine what you're feeling today, I hope that you are proud of the legacy of Scott Deem, Who we know is a true hero," Taylor said.
The mayor also shared her experience visiting the other injured firefighters in the hospital the night of the fatal fire.
"I was reminded not just about the bravery and strength of the men and women in the uniform, but also of their loved ones who pray that something like this never happens," Taylor said.
Firefighter Robert Arrenaga spoke on behalf of the Deem family.
"The same qualities that made Scott a wonderful father, husband, and son are what made him the amazing firefighter, friend, and brother. I'm proud of you brother. I love you and I miss you." Arrenaga said.