A fallen volunteer firefighter got a fitting tribute in Somerset at the emotional unveiling of a statue in his honor Saturday.

Kevin Apuzzio?s parents and sister looked on as the life-size monument was dedicated at Apuzzio?s firehouse before a crowd of more than 300. The firefighter?s sister reminded the crowd to tell their loved ones just how much they mean before it?s too late. The 21-year-old died in April while trying to rescue an elderly woman from her Franklin Township home. The floor collapsed, trapping Apuzzio.

Local businesses made donations for the statue. Apuzzio?s fellow firefighters sold bumper stickers and t-shirts as far away as Indianapolis to raise money. Fellow firefighter Nick Recine says his friend is always with him as he walks into a fire because he keeps Apuzzio?s mass card in his helmet.

The fire chief says he believes the young firefighter was at the unveiling in spirit because the rain broke long enough for the ceremony.

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