ALTUS, Oklahoma (KSWO) – It has been a little over a year since the Jackson County First Responders Memorial opened in Altus.

It has also been nearly a year since Altus Fire Chief Greg Cross succumbed to occupational cancer.

The life and legacy of the late Altus Fire Chief, friend and father Greg Cross is further cemented as visitors to the Jackson County First Responder Memorial can now see and remember him.

“It’s nice to have his memory somewhere where we can come with our kids and show them, bring back memories and tell them about my dad and the legacy he left in this town and with us,” Greg’s daughter said. Kalee Gorman.

Cross’s family said attendance at the event was testament to his lasting impact on the community.

“The fact that all these people are here to support us and support him shows how much he was loved and how much he cared,” Gorman said.

“He loved his job, he loved to serve, and he loved being a firefighter. This helps show how much he was loved and the impact he had on everyone,” said Ronna Cross, Greg’s wife.

Current Altus Fire Chief Neil Bonds, who served at Cross for more than 20 years, says the memorial is a great place to show new firefighters Greg’s legacy.

“To bring in these guys, these young guys, who couldn’t work with Greg or didn’t know any of the people at the memorial,” Bonds shared. “To bring them in and share their stories with them and show them how important our work is.”

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