"We're getting to be like the World War II veterans now," said Harold Feeley, representing Fort Trumbull Beach Fire Co. No. 2. "Each year there are less and less of us."

The volunteer firefighters officially were relieved of duty in 1983 when Milford went to an all-paid fire department, a move the volunteers fought at the time.

At 1 p.m., a small contingent of city officials and former volunteer fire company members marched from Depot Road across Broad Street to Milford Green.

Some two dozen spectators joined them.

The small contingent stood in a circle near a monument on the green that honors six volunteer firefighters who died in the line of duty The volunteers and dates of death are: M. William Power, Nov. 20, 1947; Thomas Mahoney, Jan. 6, 1953; Thomas Maher, Jan. 19, 1953; Adelibert Matthews, Jan. 17, 1963; Edgard Brunette, Oct. 28, 1973, and James Devico, Oct. 25, 1980.

The nearby fire bell on the green, which generally is silent, tolled for those six and for company members who have passed away since the previous memorial service.

The bell last Sunday also tolled for Fleming, who died this past October. Fleming had been known as an outspoken alderman who often fought for "the little guy."

Fleming had been a member of Woodmont Fire Company No. 5; he also may have been an ex-officio member of Companies 1 and 6, officials said.

The bell also tolled for other members who died in the past year: David Weyant and Walter Kubek, both of Company 2; Donald Smith of Company 6, and Hank Hyde of Company 5.

Robert Scukas, assistant chief of Arctic Engine Co. 1, said the six companies still exist today, but now they are social and community service organizations. They will continue to meet and members will continue to gather each year to memorialize fallen volunteers, Scukas said.

New members occasionally join the ranks, typically attending meetings with older relatives who once battled Milford fires. Robert Scukas II, for example, joined Arctic Engine Co. with his father.

The annual ceremony may have dwindled in size. The parade of firefighters once contained 200 to 300 men during the memorial march.

But it will continue regardless of dwindling numbers, members pledged.

"The volunteer firefighters will live on forever as long as there are people around to carry on this ceremony," said Scukas.