'They’re superheroes': Hoan Bridge glows red to honor fallen Wisconsin firefighters

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A special tribute tonight at Milwaukee's lakefront.

The bridge is illuminated in red as a way to remember three Wisconsin firefighters that were killed in the line of duty in 2022.

Earlier tonight, Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, along with other local and state fire chiefs, held a ceremony for the fallen firefighters.

"The work we do on any given day is extremely risky," said Lipski.

Dozens gathered to remember Captain Brian Busch and fighter James Ludlum from the Mineral Point Fire Department, and fighter Riley Huiras from the Grand Rapids Volunteer Fire Department.

"His sense of humor and zest for life was contagious," said Lipski. "He was a big fan of practical jokes and pranks, never missed an opportunity to enact one, big or small."

Ludlum was a helpful and senseless man who was always available to those in need.

"He had a passion for fishing, passion for farming, loved spending time with his grandchildren," said Lipski.

"Riley Daniel Ray Hurias was an amazing young man who had a very bright future ahead of him," said Grand Rapids Volunteer Fire Chief Robert Pratt.

Pratt joined the ceremony to remember the 20-year-old who joined the force to be with his dad.

"He was a young man with lofty goals and a work ethic to accomplish his mission," said Pratt.

Huiras passed from a brain aneurism just hours after responding to a fire.

All three Wisconsin firefighters will have their names inscribed in a bronze plaque that will become part of the national memorial.