SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- They call themselves the “smoke eaters” — a brotherhood of El Cajon’s finest firefighters who have spent decades protecting East County. On Saturday, the group held a special ceremony honoring their fallen brothers, a tradition that takes place every two years.

With each ring of a bell, a name was read aloud for a firefighter who has passed.

“They were our heroes,” said retired firefighter Andy Lott. “Our very first chief, Chief Owen Goodman, died of cancer. We miss him as well.”

The ceremony, which began more than 40 years ago, is as much about remembrance as it is about reunion. This year, the retired firefighters gathered at the Alpine home of Dave and Karen Truttman.

“We get together every two years and honor the Smoke Eaters,” said retired firefighter Bru

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