Texas Plant Explosion Anniversary: Plainfield Firefighter Honored

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield first responders and residents honored fallen firefighter Kevin Sanders on the five-year anniversary of the plant explosion in West, Texas. Sanders, 33, was one of the first responders to rush to the scene when a fire broke out at the fertilizer plant five years ago. Sanders was among 15 people who were killed, including 10 first responders, when the plant exploded.

"You will not be forgotten," the Plainfield IL Police Department posted on Facebook.

Sanders, a native of Palos Hills, spent five years working for the Plainfield Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and was also part of the Plainfield search and rescue team.

After Sanders' death, many Plainfield residents wore Superman T-shirts and pins around town to honor him as their hero. A memorial service was held in his native Palos Hills, and he was laid to rest at the Plainfield Township Cemetery.

Top image via Plainfield IL Police Department