2005 News Archives
12 Dec 05 - Fort Hood TX Firefighter Chad
Wessels
5 Dec 05
Captain Paul W. Schrader, Federal Fire Department, Pearl Harbor
HI, died while surfing on 29 Nov 05. He was also MSgt
Paul Schrader, 624 CES (AFRC), Hickam AFB HI. He was a firefighter who was in line to become the
Asst Fire Chief in his Reserve unit when the fire chief retires in a few months. A great troop
and a very strong swimmer, but 10 ft waves can be deadly. His was the
first of two deaths on the North Shore last week. Final
honors...
28 Nov 05 - Firefighter Tim Staepel
We are saddened to pass along the news concerning the death of
Firefighter Tim Staepel on 25 Nov 05, Philadelphia Naval Business Center (PNBC)
Fire Department. Firefighter Staepel suffered a heart attack on 22 Nov 05,
while off duty.
Tim's death is a loss to his family and friends, and the
entire Navy Fire & Emergency Services Community. On behalf of Navy
firefighters world-wide, please convey our condolences to the family and friends
of Firefighter Staepel, and to his co-workers at PNBC.
The arrangements for Firefighter Tim Staepel are listed below.
Flowers should be sent to the funeral home listed below, not
the church.
Additionally, the family anticipates establishing a trust fund
for the children. Once the fund is established more information will be
provided.
There will be a viewing Wed 30 Nov (7-9 pm) at:
Shetter Funeral Home
304 Route 70 West
Cherry Hill NJ 08002
Additionally, there will be another viewing Thu 01 Dec ( 9-10 am) at:
Shetter Funeral Home
304 Route 70 West
Cherry Hill NJ 08002
At 10 AM Procession leaves for Camden, NJ
Services will then be held Thursday 01 Dec at:
St. Joseph Cathedral
2907 Federal Street
Camden NJ 08105
Mass is scheduled for 11 AM, 01 December
Interment will be at:
Calvary Cemetery
Route 70 and Hampton Rd.
Cherry Hill NJ 08002
21 Nov 05 - JOHN CARL ELISEO - 1933-2005 "A Firefighter
at Heart"
John was born March 29th 1933, in
Youngstown, Ohio. After completing school, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1950
and had a long and distinguished career in the firefighting and missile safety
fields until his retirement in 1971. His military career included service at
March Air Force Base, Greenham Common Air Force Base and Upper Hayford Air Force
Base in England, and Vandenberg Air Force Base.
full
obituary
14 Nov 05
Fort
Hood Firefighter Luke Houghton died unexpectedly at his home November 12, 2005.
Mr. Houghton was a respected member of the Fort Hood Fire & Emergency
Services Division dedicating his time to the many specialty teams within the
fire department. He was on B shift at station 1 where he unselfishly
carried out his duties as well as going above and beyond what was expected of
him. Firefighter Houghton has earned many awards while working at Fort
Hood and was well liked by all. He
had many passions in life which included kayaking and his love for comedy shows.
He was a former Marine who served overseas as a firefighter. He had a huge heart
that radiated through his smile and laugh for everyone to see! Words that
describe Luke are responsible, passionate, loyal and honorable.
Memorial
services for Firefighter Houghton will be held Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at
2:00pm at the chapel located across from fire station 1 located at the
intersection of 58th & Battalion Ave, Fort Hood, TX.
An
"IN MEMORY" category has been added to the forums area of this website
for those wishing to share thoughts, feelings, and condolences for our brother.
WE
WILL MISS YOU LUKE!
10 Nov 05
A true hero has died. Chief
Robert A. McAllister was recognized many times for heroic actions while a
military firefighter during the Viet Nam War. Following his retirement
from his military career, he returned to Air Force Fire Protection as a civilian
at Columbus AFB MS, where he retired as Fire Chief in 2002. He was a true
Air Force Hero and I encourage all AF firefighters to read the attached paper
about him as well as his involvement in rescue activities posted at http://users.acninc.net/padipaul/pnl_07_2004_5heros.htm.
In addition, I ask that the following honors for Chief Robert A. McAllister be
conducted at each Air Force fire department:
Conduct a Moment of Silence at shift
change/roll call on 11 Nov 05 or as soon as possible thereafter.
In honor of Chief McAllister, fly
Fire Service flags (when available) at half staff from 11 Nov 05 through 10 Dec
05.
Read about this hero here.
9 Nov 05
It
is with deep regret that the Dobbins Fire & Emergency Services announces the
death of retired firefighter James McDaris (62) who passed away November 7th at
Kennestone Hospital after a battle with cancer.
In
1995 he retired from the fire department and also retired as a Chief Master
Sergeant from the Air Force Reserve where his last duty assignment was with the
22 AF.
Calling
hours: Wednesday Nov. 9th 6-8 pm
Mayes-Ward-Dobbins Funeral
Home
180
Church Street, Marietta
Services:
Thursday Nov 10th 2pm
Mayes-Ward
Dobbins Funeral Home
Burial:
Thursday Nov 10th
Kennesaw
Memorial Park Cemetery
1700 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta
For
additional information contact
Chief John Hicks or Deputy Chief Eric McDaniel 678-655-4840.
2 Oct 05
Daryl
Long passed away this afternoon. He was a retired Tinker Firefighter, and was
battling cancer which was thought to be in remission. His passing was
unexpected. He is being taken to the same funeral home as his wife Judy who
passed away not long ago.
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Lead Firefighter Chad Camps
Lead Firefighter Chad Camps, 33,
Buckley AFB CO, died on 30 Sep 05. Lt. Camps has been a dedicated and
highly respected member of Buckley AFB Fire Protection since November 1999. He
is survived by his mother Sue and his 12 year old daughter Chase.
A Memorial Service & Final Alarm
Will be held at Crist Mortuary,
3395 Penrose Place, Boulder, Co., on Wednesday, October 5th 2005, at
10 a.m.
An Air Force wide Moment of Silence
for Firefighter Camps will be held at Shift Change on 5 Oct 2005 at Air Force
fire stations throughout the world.
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27 Sep 05
The Marine Corps Fire Service regrets to announce the passing of Sgt. Brian
E. Dunlap, 34, of Vista, Calif., who died Sept. 24 from an improvised explosive
device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Taqaddum,
Iraq. Sgt. Dunlap was a career firefighter with the Marine Corps Base Camp
Pendleton Fire Department assigned to "B" Platoon, Station 8,
Cristianitos Area. Firefighter Dunlap had previous fire service experience with
the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Intermountain
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Sgt Dunlap deployed with Marine Forces
Reserve's 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Los Alamitos,
Calif. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to 2nd Marine
Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). Funeral and memorial service
arrangements are still pending. Additional information on Sgt Dunlap is included
in the North County Times article below.
We ask that you keep the Dunlap family in your thoughts and prayers through
this difficult period.
V/R
Kevin King
News
Story
21 Sep 05 - Received information the MSgt (Ret) Dewey Roach
passed away last week. If anyone knows any details, please let me know.
21 Sep 05 - A 3 Sep 05 Post in the guestbook indicates that TSgt
(Ret) Craig Scott pass away on/about 24 July 05. If anyone knows more
details, please let me know.
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A 1C
Jared O'Brien (Retired)
The
former AIC Jared O'Brien passed away 29 August 2005 due to an extended
illness with cancer. Jared was assigned to Shaw AFB Fire
Protection Flight for 2 years. Approximately 8 months ago, Jared
was diagnosed during an occupation exam with a rare type of bone cancer.
He was immediately transferred to Wilford Hall for treatment. Shaw
was his first duty assignment. He is survived by his wife,
Jennifer, and son, Randall (age 2), who currently reside in
Tennessee. --Chief Scott W. Cline, Shaw AFB SC -----------------
Please pass
this information to all AF Fire Chiefs.
Please
afford appropriate honors to our fallen firefighter
on 1 Sep 05.
Consistent
with paragraph 1.4 of
our recently developed plan
(attached)
to honor our fallen
firefighters, I have
determined the Airman O'Brien will be honored according
to paragraph 1.3 of the attached
Plan. A1C O'Brien had
been medically separated
from the AF since his diagnosis with cancer and was
a member of our family deserving
of appropriate honors. -- Chief Donald Warner |
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Assistant Chief Barbara Ann
Saunders (Retired)
Barbara Ann Saunders, 51, passed away
Thursday, August 18, 2005 after a long battle with cancer. Barbara
served at Rickenbacker ANG base as Assistant Fire Chief where she
recently retired after more than 30 years of service. She was preceded
in death by her father William Peterson and is survived by her
husband, David; her mother, Bettie Peterson of Reynoldsburg, Oh.; and
her aunt, Helen Russo of Uniontown, Pa. Barbara will be remembered by
many not only as a great friend and colleague, but also as a volunteer
of 12 years at the Columbus Zoo, as a volunteer for the burns unit at
Children's Hospital and as a volunteer firefighter for Madison
Township. Friends may call Thursday between 1-3 and 5-8 p.m. at
SPENCE-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 2697 Columbus St., Grove City. Prayer
service will be held 8 p.m. Funeral mass will be held 12Noon Friday at
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 3730 Broadway, Grove City. Rev. Fr. Mike
Nimocks, Celebrant. (Funeral procession will form at 11 a.m. at the
funeral home.) In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations care of
the funeral home that will be distributed between the Columbus Zoo,
Children's Hospital and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane,
Australia. |
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Chief Robert
William Vreeland, USAF (Retired)
24 June 1914 - 10 August 2005
| VREELAND,
Robert (Bob) William Age 91, passed away August 10, 2005 from
age-related respiratory failure. He was born June 24, 1914 in
Dover
,
New Jersey
. He began a career in fire in 1930 while still in high school as a
fire marshal of the school. He was drafted into the military in 1941
and was at
Pearl Harbor
when it was bombed. Bob went to OCS and was commissioned a 2nd
Lieutenant and sent to Europe as Chief of a fire fighting platoon,
where he was responsible for setting up numerous fire bases during
WWII. He was at the
Battle
of the Bulge where he earned the Soldier's Medal for extinguishing a
fire on a train containing ammunition while being strafed by German
airplanes. In 1946, he was recalled to active duty and sent to Ladd
AFB,
Fairbanks
,
Alaska
to develop and test procedures for fighting fires in the Artic. Bob
was transferred to Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB,
Nebraska
, in 1949 where he became Chief of Fire Protection and Aircraft
Rescue. He is one of the pioneers of fire protection and engineering
in the Air Force, developing regulations and operating procedures for
fighting fires. Bob transferred to MacDill AFB,
Florida
in 1956 and became base Fire Chief in 1957. In 1961, he transferred to
March AFB Riverside, CA. to become Chief of Fire Protection and
Aircraft Rescue for 15th Air Force. He retired in 1972. Bob was a
member of the Masons, the Elks, the International Association of Fire
Chiefs, the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, a past commander of
Dover NJ Memorial Post 1502 VFW, a past president of a local chapter
of NARFE, and was Red Cross Liaison Officer to Riverside County for a
number of years in the 1980's and 1990's. In 1995 he received his 65
year service pin from the Red Cross. Bob is survived by his wife of 64
years E. Barbara, son Albert Vreeland of
Tucson
, AZ., and daughter Barbara Abelsett of
Riverside
,
CA
. A viewing was held at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary,
11500 Arlington Ave
,
Riverside
on August 17th. A graveside service was held on August 18th at
Crestlawn. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the
American Red Cross or the Salvation Army.
---------------------------
On
behalf of The Retired Air Force Fire Chiefs our heart felt condolences
to Barbara and the Vreeland Family on the loss of a love one. We will
miss a dear comrade and an extraordinary fire pioneer. His
contributions as a WW II and Cold War veteran and as a Firefighter and
Fire Chief for the Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC) will long be
remembered as part of our Fire Protection's rich heritage &
history.
Chief Bob Barrow USAF (Retired),
Editor, QNN, August 14, 2005
------------------------
I
knew Chief Vreeland 56 years. He's legendary to fire protection, the
American Red Cross, and American veterans. This is a man who made a
noble effort and succeeded in improving Air Force Fire Protection at
every level. He served with honor and distinction at Air Base as well
as Major Air Command Headquarters.
Chief Douglas Courchene (
Mt. Olive
,
NC
)
----------------------------
Sign
the guestbook |
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1 August 2005
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Senior
Airman Tim Alford and Airman First Class Erik Salazar, firefighters
stationed at Spangdahlem AB DEU, died early Monday morning, 1 August
2005, in a single car vehicle collision near the Germany-Belgium
border. More information to follow...
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| The Chief, Air Force Fire &
Emergency Services, designated Thursday, 4 August 2005, at shift
change as the appropriate time for an Air Force Wide Moment of Silence
and Last Alarm. Additional information is here. |
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Chief Irvin R. Brown, Jr., USAF (Retired)
28 April 1925 - 12 June 2005
| Irvin
R. "Jim" Brown, Jr. passed away on
June 12, 2005
with his loving family at his side. He is survived by Ann, his wife of
almost 60 years; son, Ric Brown; daughters: Beverly Danaher and
Patricia Smith; nine grandchildren; one great-granddaughter and a
great-grandson on the way. Chief, as he was known to most of his
friends, spent his entire working life as a fire fighter, fire chief
and fire protection specialist. After serving in the Navy in WWII on
D-Day, he joined the
Baltimore
,
MD
, City Fire department. After serving
an Air Force Reserve recall during the Korean Conflict
in
Korea
, the family moved to
Florida
, where he became an assistant fire chief as a civil service employee
at McCoy A.F. Base. Over his career he rose to the ranks of fire chief
on A.F. bases and a fire protection specialist at various headquarters
all over the world. Over the years, his job took the family to
Maine
,
New York
, the
Philippines
,
Texas
,
Turkey
and eventually
Colorado Springs
where he retired in 1985. In
Colorado Springs
, he was an active member of the Al Kaly Shrine Mule Train. He was an
avid sportsman, hunting and fishing in and around
Colorado
. Jim, along with Ann worked hard to ensure that their children had
every opportunity that life could bring. All three graduated from
college and have successful careers. He passed on a strong work ethic
and a sense of compassion for others. He will be missed beyond words.
A private memorial service was held. Donations can be made to:
Shriners Children's Hospital. Intermountain Unit,
Fairfax Rd.
, at VA.
St.
,
Salt Lake City
,
Utah
84103
.
You may sign the guestbook at http://www.legacy.com/gazette/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=14477875
Respectively
submitted: Chief Bob Barrow USAF (Retired)
Editor, QNN chief.one@cox.net
June 13, 2005
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13 May 05
The BRAC recommendations have been released. Here's a summary
and the details.
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Chief Dennis Clinton Jennings
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Dennis Clinton Jennings, of Pilot, left his earthly home to join the
throne of his Heavenly Father on Monday, April 18, 2005 at the age of
51. He is preceded in death by his father, Estel Clinton Jennings.
Dennis is survived by his loving, faithful wife of 29 years, Joann
Gearheart Jennings; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Mark Linder,
Pensacola, Fla.; precious granddaughter, Raegan Joy Linder; mother,
Hazel W. Jennings, Radford; sister and brother-in-law, Nora Lee and
William Saunders, Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; niece, Deborah Anne Gragnani;
her daughters, Lauren and Paige; nephew, John R. Saunders, his children,
Christy and John Richard, all of Richmond. Dennis' extended families are
Wayne, Eloise, Jerry, Charlotte, Mark, Tabitha, Angie, Haley, Amanda and
Austin. Dennis worked for Wackenhut Corp. at Radford Army Ammunition
Plant as Fire Chief from December 1999 to present. He also served as
member of the International Fire Chief Association since 1999. He
started working for Radford Army Ammunition Plant in 1988. Dennis
volunteered his services to Floyd County Fire Department Station #3 as
he rose through the ranks serving the Locust Grove community for
approximately 27 years. He also served Christiansburg Rescue Squad in
the mid 1970's, extending that service to Floyd's Locust Grove Rescue
Squad after moving to Pilot in 1978. In his free time, Dennis enjoyed
working at Pilot Mountain Grocery, which was purchased by his cousin,
the late Ronnie Wimmer, meeting the public gave him joy. Funeral
services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2005 at St.
Paul's United Methodist Church, Main Street, Christiansburg with Dennis'
friend the Rev. Neal Turner officiating. Interment will follow in
Huffville Cemetery, Pilot. The family will receive friends on Wednesday
at Gardner Funeral Home from 5 until 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to the Floyd County Fire Station #3, 4170
Nectarine Drive, Pilot, Va. 24138. Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd is in
charge of the arrangements.
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Chief
Charles E. "Ed" Chedd, USAF (Retired)
May
9, 1916 - April 6, 2005
Chief
Ed Chedd was the Fire Chief at McCoy AFB, Florida, (Base Closed in
1972) located in the Pinecastle section of Orlando, Florida. He gained
fame from the Air Force Film “Broken Arrow” and rewrite of T.O.
11N-20-11 governing Air Force fire fighting guidance at a nuclear
incident. He relocated in the 60s to Headquarters, Alaskan Air
Command as Fire Prevention Engineer.
Upon
retirement he moved the family back to Florida, not too far from Orlando. He lost his beloved
wife, March 13, 2004 and he answered his “Final Alarm”, April 6,
2005 at age 88 years old. Ed was born in Hartely-Wintney,
England. After moving to the USA he enlisted in the U.S. Army
during WW II as a paratrooper with the famed 101st Airborne
Division “Screaming Eagles,” in time to participate in the
invasion of Europe. He received a Purple Heart Award for wounds
received while parachuting into France during the “D” Day invasion.
...more
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2 April 2005
As a mark of respect for His Holiness Pope John Paul II, I hereby
order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half
staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all
military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal
Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its
Territories and possessions until sunset on the day of his interment. I also
direct that the flag shall be flown at half staff for the same period at all
United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities
abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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Phillip
W. Mossey, MSgt, USAF (Retired)
Born
January 10, 1942 - Died March 15, 2005
VALDOSTA —
Phillip W. Mossey, 63, of Valdosta died Tuesday, March 15, 2005, at
South Georgia Medical Center. He was born on Jan. 10, 1942, in Moon
Township, Pa., to the late Samuel and Olive Goss Mossey and had lived
in this area since 1990. Mr. Mossey was a retired master sergeant in
the U.S. Air Force and a member of the Christ Episcopal Church. Mr.
Mossey loved people, loved his corvette and his dog, ...more |
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Richard I. Waller
Born
June 2, 1920 - Died
March 22, 2005
Chief
Fire Inspector and Fire Protection Specialist Waller, 84, Arlington,
Texas, died 22 March 2005. I'm deeply saddened by Dick's death.
His lovely wife, Marie emailed me nearly everyday on his
condition. The entire Air Force Fire Protection Community is
shocked and saddened at the passing of one of my most remembered
figures.
Dick and I met, January l968. He at Hq
Alaskan Air Command (AAC) I, Chief Elmendorf AFB. Before his AAC
assignment, Dick was Chief Technical Service, Eielson AFB Fairbanks,
Alaska where he managed the most impressive fire prevention
educational programs in the Air Force. Eielson AFB enjoyed the
lowest fire loss in the command. On the other hand,
Elmendorf AFB reported 35 fires and $l,000,000.00 loss annually.
Specialist Waller came to Elmendorf on a staff visit with one
purpose: Develop a fire prevention educational program for
everyone on base. In one year, Elmendorf fire loss was reduced
98%. In my book, Pioneers With Intent, I wrote about Dick.
Chief Don Warner, Headquarters United States
Air Force Fire Protection has challenged us to honor pioneers worthy
of recognition, 2 Feb 2005. At his moment, Dick's biography has
been written with others to name classrooms, and pavilions at the Lou
Garland Fire Academy, Goodfellow Air Force Base, San Angelo, Texas.
The classroom absolutely fits my dear friend Richard I. Waller.
- Doug Courchene, Chief, Retired, Mount Olive, NC 28365 dougecourchene@aol.com |
Obituary |
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Kenneth
L. Erwin Sr., CMSgt, USAF (Retired)
Born
August 5, 1937 - Died March 10, 2005
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August
5, 1937-March 10, 2005
ADAIRSVILLE,
Ga.
- Kenneth L. Erwin, Sr. was born in
Adairsville
,
Georgia
to Sidney and Jewell Erwin. Mr. Erwin lived in
North Georgia
until he joined the military as a firefighter in 1956 at age 17. Ken met
his wife, Eva in 1956 while he was stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base in
Missouri
. Following an eleven-month courtship they married in June 1957 and began
their quarter-century journey around the world. After 26 years of faithful
service, including two unaccompanied tours in
Vietnam
and
Greenland
, Ken retired from the United States Air Force in 1981 in the grade of
Chief Master Sergeant. In 1983, Ken and Eva moved to the city of
Augusta
when Ken accepted the position of Fire Chief at
Fort
Gordon
. After several years as the Post Fire Chief he became one of
Fort
Gordon
's commercial building inspectors. He retired from civil service in 1995.
Mr. Erwin was surrounded by friends and family to include his wife of 47
years, Eva Irene Erwin; daughter, Vickie along with Harvey and their three
boys, James, John, and Philip of Luanda, Angola Africa; son Ken, Jr. along
with Catherine and their son, Kenneth III of Charlotte, North Carolina,
and Ken's daughters, Leslie and Lauren; son, Randy along with Joyce and
their three children, Adam, Elaine, and Seth of Anchorage, Alaska. Ken and
Eva also have three great-grandchildren, Jared, Destini, and Katelyn.
Receiving family and friends tonight, Friday March 11, from 6:30 p.m.
until 8:30 p.m. at Elliott Sons Funeral Home,
4255 Columbia Road
,
Martinez
. Funeral service will be held at
New Hope
Worship
Center
,
715 S. Old Belair Road
, Grovetown, on Saturday, March 12, at 2:00 p.m. The graveside service
will take place at
Hillcrest
Memorial Park
,
2700 Deans Bridge Road
. Pallbearers will be Wally Arceneaux, Greg Capers,
Robert
Centers
, David Hamilton, Robert Hatcher, Gene Sammons, Frank Shirey, Wallace
Taylor. This will include Mr. Erwin's life of service being recognized by
a full military honor guard. In lieu of flowers please send donations to
the CSRA Parkinson's Support Group in care of Barbara Gagnon,
1193 New Bridge Road
,
Aiken
,
South Carolina
,
29805
. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com
Published in The Augusta Chronicle on 3/11/2005.
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Guest Book
• Funeral home info
• Flowers
• Charities
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3 Mar 05 - News from Iraq
2 Mar 05
From:
Johnson James [mailto:jjohnson@iaff.org]
Subject: F32 member
Brother
Michael Hill (F32, China Lake Ca.) was admitted on Friday, February 25th
to Walter Reed and is recovering from his injuries received in Iraq.
Brother Hill was injured in a bomb explosion while on active (reserve) duty.
He is allowed flowers. His room number is 5762, Bed 1 and the nurses
station number is 202-782-1557 if you have any questions about his condition.
James
B. Johnson
Vice President
International Association of Fire Fighters
1750 New York Ave. NW Suite 300
Washington D.C. 20006
email-jjohnson@iaff.org
14 Feb 05 - Firefighter dies
during rescue attempt in Iraq
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The Chief of Air Force Fire & Emergency
Services has designated Noon (local time), 16 Feb 05, as the time for all AF
fire protection organizations to honor SSgt Rangel with a Fallen Firefighter
Ceremony and Moment of Silence. He also asked that a
picture of the ceremony be sent to him so he can share it with the family at the
Memorial Services tentatively scheduled for Friday.
2/14/2005 - DYESS
AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- A firefighter from here
was killed Feb. 13 while on a rescue mission in Iraq.
Staff Sgt. Ray Rangel, 29, died while attempting to rescue two Soldiers
trapped in a Humvee that overturned in a canal. He was deployed to an
Air Force unit operating out of Balad Air Base, Iraq.
He was permanently assigned to the 7th Civil Engineer Squadron and was a
native of San Antonio. He arrived here in September 2002 and had been on
active duty since September 1994.
“All of Team Dyess mourns the loss of one of our own. Sergeant Rangel
died courageously attempting to rescue others. While we grieve for him
and his family, we are at the same time filled with pride and gratitude
for his heroism. He will be missed, but others will honor his sacrifice
by carrying on the fight with the same courage he displayed,” said
Col. Garrett Harencak, 7th Bomb Wing commander. |
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Chief
William Albert York,
USAF (Retired)
Born
May 26, 1921
Died
January 31, 2005 |
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Chief
W.A. York of Staples,
Texas
answered his final alarm following emergency surgery at
Seton
Central
Medical
Center
,
Austin
,
TX
, at age 83.
“W.A.” is the last of the original fire service instructors that helped
to organize the renowned
Lowry
Army
Air
Field
Fire
Fighting
School
at
Denver
,
Colorado
in 1946. He
trained thousands of Army Air Corps and Air Force firefighters before retiring
as Base Fire Chief at Randolph AFB, TX in the 1974.
Here's
the full story
Chief
Doug Courchene’s book “Pioneers With Intent” has some good stories about
Chief York’s earlier service.
The QNN publications have feature stories on “W.A.”:
These stories and others may be viewed on DoDFire Retirees/Pioneers link http://www.dodfire.com/Retirees/pioneers.htm.
Expect more details in the next QNN.
------------------------------------------------------------
2 Feb 05 Update: I was informed today that Chief York
passed away on Monday and his funeral is tomorrow (Thursday). I'll post
more information as soon as I have it.
30 Jan 05 - UPDATE TO THIS POST:
Chief
Barrow, as a Texas Connections trooper, I wish to report to all POP
believers that Chief WA York came thru the surgical procedure in great
shape. The doctors
told Chief York's family they were amazed by the strength he showed after
the procedure. His daughter told me Chief York was talking this
morning (29th) at the whispering level. The family thanks the QNN
and DODFIRE staff for our prayers. Thru me, she asked that I tell the
Chiefs that Chief York seems to understand that many prayers have been said
on his behalf.
Chief
Barrow, as a Texas Connections trooper, I wish to report to all POP
believers that Chief WA York came thru the surgical procedure in great
shape. The doctors
told Chief York's family they were amazed by the strength he showed after
the procedure. His daughter told me Chief York was talking this
morning (29th) at the whispering level. The family thanks the QNN
and DODFIRE staff for our prayers. Thru me, she asked that I tell the
Chiefs that Chief York seems to understand that many prayers have been said
on his behalf.
I
shall keep all of you updated as I hear more.
They know the Chief has a tough 2 or 3 weeks ahead.
I
shall keep all of you updated as I hear more.
They know the Chief has a tough 2 or 3 weeks ahead.
With
Warm Regards
Joe
Jarrell
28 Jan 05 - The Power of Prayer (PoP)
Urgent
PoP Request for two Retired Fire Chiefs:
Chief Lennie Blau of
San Antonio
,
Texas
is having treatments for prostate cancer and the results recently have not been
good.
Chief William A. York of Staples,
Texas
is in critical condition at The
Seton
Central
Medical
Center
,
Austin
,
TX
. Emergency surgery is expected soon to help relieve a gastrology problem.
Chief York was admitted this week under critical care and as his condition was
improving it has suddenly turned.
- Chief Bob Barrow, CWO4 USAF (Retired)
21 Jan 05 - Last Alarm - Chief Don Smith
Pictures of Don's send-off provided by the family (click the thumbnail for a
full size view):
Link
to obituary & guest book
|
Chief
Don
Smith, SMSgt, USAF (Retired)
Born
September 27, 1933
Died
January 21, 2005 Don served
Air Force Fire Protection 1952 to 1998, over 46 years. He retired as
Carswell AFB Fire Chief at
Fort Worth
,
TX
. |
 |
|
Donald D. Smith, 71, retired Fire Chief of Carswell, AFB passed away at his
home on Friday January 21, 2004.
Don
was born in
West Virginia
and served his country proudly in part during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
He was a member of the United States Air Force for 23 years prior to
being a member of the Civil Service for 22 years.
Through hard work, he was ultimately promoted to multiple positions of
Fire Chief both domestically and abroad.
He was the recipient of many awards of recognition including the Bronze
Star.
Having
long ago adopted Texas as his home, he retired in 1998 to be amongst family
and friends who will miss him dearly.
Visitation:
Greenwood
Funeral Home in Fort Worth Tuesday January 25th from
7-9 PM.
Funeral:
Greenwood
Funeral Home Wednesday January 26th at 11:30 AM followed by his
burial at Dallas - Fort Worth
National
Cemetery
at 2PM.
Memorials:
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer
Society.
Don
was preceded in death by his father, Thamer Smith; mother, Ona Smith; and
brother Gus Smith.
Survivors:
Wife and best friend, Gwyneth, sister Eleanor Greathouse of West
Virginia, his daughter Donna and husband Mark Yelmokas, daughter Cindi and
husband Mike Sutton, step-son John Carpenter and wife Sue, step daughter
Claire Carpenter; granddaughters Alexandria and Margaret Sutton; step-grandson
Tom Carpenter and many extended relatives and friends.
