Firefighters pay tribute to fallen comrades
FAIRCHANCE – Dozens of firefighters gathered Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Fairchance to honor their fallen comrades and to close the 115th annual Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association Convention. The fire bell rang out 15 times as those in the crowded church sat in silence to remember firefighters from across the region that have died in the last year.
“We are thankful for all of these firefighters who stand and serve in the times of need,” the Rev. Scott Hoppe said. “Firemen are not only there to help fight fires, but they are there to lend a hand… they give the ultimate sacrifice.”
While the service was dedicated to honoring firefighters who have died, much of the service paid tribute to what firefighters do during their lives.
Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association chaplain Jim Bowser told a story about a 6-year-old boy dying from Leukemia in Phoenix, Ariz.
Bowser said the boy always wanted to be a firefighter. When his mother contacted the Phoenix fire department, the station made the child an honorary firefighter for a day.
Months later, 16 firefighters gathered at the youth’s bedside in the hospital when he died, Bowser said.
Bowser said it is stories like the one in Phoenix that a repeated every day across the country by firefighters.
Hoppe agreed.
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend. That is something firefighters are willing to do every day,” Hoppe said.
Hoppe said that firefighters are the epitome of preparedness, noting that they have to train physically and mentally year-round to be able to handle the pressure-filled situations they encounter.
Hoppe said he also believes firefighters are spiritually prepared because of the inherent dangers they face.
While those in attendance included firefighters from across the region – including delegations from Dravosburg, Penn Hills and Monaca – some were from Fayette County.
Members of the Fairchance Volunter Fire Department conducted the presentation of colors at the ceremony.
Additionally, Perry Township firefighter Leonard Lynch, in his capacity as a chaplain for the association, read a passage at the ceremony.
herald_standa477:
http://www.heraldstandard.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20016037