Photos by Keith R. Cerny Firefighters and other first responders from across the San Luis Valley participated in a procession in honor of longtime Manassa firefighter Harold Cordova, 83, as they passed the flag supported by two ladder trucks in front of the fire station on the way to the Manassa-Romeo Cemetery where Cordova was laid to rest with honors. Local first responders and a member of the City of Pueblo Fire Department Honor Guard give one of several salutes Friday in honor of Harold Cordova at his graveside services. A longtime Manassa firefighter, Cordova died May 1 after assisting with a grass fire. Two members of the City of Pueblo Fire Department Honor Guard retire the flag from the casket of Manassa firefighter Harold Cordova at this graveside service Friday. The flag was presented to Assistant Manassa Fire Chief John Comstock (far right) who then presented it to Maria Cordova. Also shown, left center, is Devin Haynie, Deputy District Chief for Colorado Division of Fire Protection and Control, who took a ‘final call’ from Alamosa County dispatch for Cordova.

MANASSA — Alamosa County dispatch placed a “final call” for “Manassa Fire 3” as more than 100 gathered at the Manassa-Romeo Cemetery on Friday, May 6, to pay their last respects to longtime firefighter Harold Cordova.

A 66-year Conejos County Fire Board member and Manassa volunteer firefighter, Cordova, 83, died Sunday, May 1 after helping fight a grass fire here.

Funeral services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Conejos, the oldest Catholic church in Colorado, followed by a procession to the Manassa-Romeo Cemetery.

Over 100 family members, friends and first responders from across the San Luis Valley participated in the procession under a large flag hanging from two fire ladder trucks parked in front of the Manassa fire hall.

Sobbing could be heard throughout the gathering as the “final call” came from dispatch to a radio held by Devin Haynie, Deputy District Chief for Colorado Division of Fire Protection and Control.

Father Sergio Roblis proceeded over the services which concluded with the toning of bells by two members of the City of Pueblo Fire Department Honor Guard, who also completed the ceremonial folding of the flag draped over Cordova’s casket.

The flag then was presented by Manassa Assistant Fire Chief John Comstock to Cordova’s widow Maria.