International Firefighters Day was commemorated in Busselton with a service on Saturday, May 4 at the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.
The day honours those firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting the communities they serve.
Addressing the crowd, Department of Fire and Emergency Services area officer Andy Thompson said it was a very special day held on the feast day of St Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.
St Florian was the first known firefighter in the Roman Empire who was responsible for commanding an elite group of soliders who fought fires.
Mr Thompson said they were honouring Western Australian firefighters who fell in the line of duty.
"Across our vast state there are thousands of men and women who regularly put themselves on the line, responding to all manner of emergencies, anytime of the day or night," he said.
"They help the people of WA when they need help the most.
"The loss of a firefighter in the line of duty is felt deeply across all services, brigades, units and the community.
"Today we took time to reflect and share in the sorrow of losing a colleague, family member, partner or friend.
"They live on in the memories of their loved ones and it was touching to see so many of them here today.
"This memorial service was also a fitting time to acknowledge and show gratitude to those firefighters who continue to serve."