Remember Fallen Firefighters...

Firefighters who died serving their communities were honored Sunday.





The sights and sounds of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 2012 Memorial Weekend where 85 firefighters who died in the line of duty were honored.









(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; Th is is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

The Bell Rings 5-5-5...

On Sunday, October 16, 2011 the names of 89 Fallen Firefighters were honored and their names added to the national memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Here are highlights from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 2011 Memorial Service:

The 30th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg was a tearful ceremony remembering and honoring those firefighters that had fallen in The Line Of Duty.

The fire service has a lot of traditions. Throughout most of history, the life of a firefighter has been closely associated with the ringing of a bell.

Acting Deputy USFA Administrator Denis Onieal explained the history of ringing a bell in a 5-5-5 sequence. "Done for the purposed of notification, and as a sign of honor and respect, such symbolism has been a long-honored fire service tradition which still continues in some cities today…"

Onieal added: "…For those who have selflessly devoted their lives for the good of their communities and fellow citizens, the bell tolls their last alarm for they have gone home."

As firefighter's began theirs hours of duty, it was a bell that started it off. Through the day and the night, each alarm was sounded with a bell, which called the firefighter to fight a fire or to rescue a person.

All emergency response placed the firefighter's life in jeopardy for the good of all. And... when the fire was out, or the rescue accomplished, the alarm had come to an end, the bell rang 5-5-5 to signal the end.

This past weekend our fathers, husbands, brothers, friends,... our brother firefighters, have completed their task and their duties are well done...

The bell rings 5-5-5 in memory of and in tribute to our fallen firefighters lives and their service...

The 89 Fallen Firefighters Will Be Missed... Never Forgotten...

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; Th is is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Remembering The Fallen...

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Fire Administration announce that the 30th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will be held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg on October 14 - 16, 2011. A plaque with the names of 72 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2010 and 17 who died in previous years will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located here on the National Fire Academy campus. The plaques surrounding the Memorial, which was established in 1981, will contain the names of more than 3,400 firefighters.

A message from National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Executive Director Ron Siarnicki about Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters. It is a new addition to the 2011 Memorial Weekend on the 30th Anniversary of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial - October 14 to 16, 2011.
http://weekend.firehero.org/

I first met Mr Leroy Kemp on a Saturday January evening in 2010, just a few days before his passing, at our volunteer fire department’s annual banquet. Leroy was a guest that night from our neighbor volunteer fire department, and I had the honor of sitting next to him for the evening meal. From our conversations we all had at the table that evening, I never felt more privilege to know such a man as LeRoy who had severed his community over so many years.

As a volunteer firefighter for more than 50 years, LeRoy Kemp was always ready to respond. "LeRoy was a genuine, good person. He always saw the good side of everybody, ..." said John Scott, Tioga County Fire Coordinator

Always willing to assist in a time of need, LeRoy was a lifetime member of the Tioga Center Fire and Emergency Departments, where he had served as Chief, EMT and Fire Police. In addition, he was Chairman of the Board for the Fire Commissioners and had assisted with the Tioga County Fire Investigation Team. He was a dedicated and well respected fireman who will be greatly missed by his community and his fellow members.

This weekend LeRoy Kemp will be honored as a firefighter, a long-time servant to his community, and remembered a fallen hero.

Firefighter LeRoy A. Kemp, 81, of the Tioga Center Fire Department in Tioga County, died in a motor vehicle accident while en route to a mutual aid call on Jan. 13, 2010.

The name of the former Tioga Center Fire Department firefighter will be added to a bronze plaque along with the names of 72 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2010 and 17 who died in previous years.

10 New York firefighters will be recognized at the ceremony taking place this weekend at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Department of Homeland Security sponsor the event.

The other nine firefighters from New York state that will be honored this weekend are:

• Fire Police Capt. William E. Akin Jr., 54, of the Ghent Volunteer Fire Company in Ghent, Columbia County, died in a car accident while responding to the scene of a different car accident on Oct. 19, 2010.

• Firefighter Scott W. Davis, 46, of the Oswego Fire Department in Oswego County, died after suffering a heart attack within 24 hours after several emergency responses on June 20, 2010.

• Capt. Vincent A. Iaccino, 64, of the Roosevelt Fire District Engine Company1 in Hyde Park, died after suffering a heart attack during fire department training on April 12, 2010

• Firefighter John P. Kelly, 51, of the Tarrytown Fire Department in Westchester County, died after being overcome by fumes during a confined space rescue in a sewer drain Sept. 6, 2010.

• Firefighter Erich Lachmann, 74, of the Washington Heights Fire Department in Middletown, Orange County, died on Jan. 28, 2007, after suffering a stroke within 24 hours of responding to an emergency on Jan. 15, 2007.

• Assistant Chief Garrett W. Loomis, 26, of the Sackets Harbor Fire Department in Jefferson County died on April 11, 2010, of trauma sustained after an explosion on the scene of a silo fire.

• Firefighter Gerard Marcheterre, 50, of the Borodino Fire Department in Onondaga County, died after suffering a medical emergency while responding to a structural collapse on March 6, 2010.

• Firefighter Salvatore Scarentino, 51, of the Fire Department of New York, died after suffering a heart attack within 24 hours of responding to emergency calls on March 21, 2009.

• Lt. Josef L. Welenofsky, 46, of the Holtsville Fire Department in Suffolk County, died within 24 hours of responding to a call for a motor vehicle accident on Jan. 27, 2007.

According to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), a bronze plaque containing Leroy Kemp’s name will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

"Firefighters are called upon to face danger on a daily basis," said Chairman of the NFFF Board of Directors, Chief Dennis Compton, in a statement. "In October, a grateful Nation will honor their dedication and remember their sacrifice. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend brings their loved ones and the fire service together to let their families, coworkers, and friends know that they will never be forgotten."

You are missed Leroy but…

Never Forgotten Sir...

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; Th is is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

A Fireman's Prayer

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

IN LOVING MEMORY...

James S. Williams

When someone you love becomes a memory...the memory becomes a treasure. Our hearts were saddened with the passing of James S. Williams, 58, on November 7, 2010. Jim is survived by his mother, Mabel; wife, Vicki; sons, James "Howdy" (Laura) Williams, Jason "Big Jake" (Crystal) Williams, Justin "Duke" (Michelle) Williams, Jerred "Jed" (companion Danielle Preece) Williams; brother, Christopher (Carole) Williams; sister, Ann (Jay) Ball; sister-in-law, Irene Williams; ten grandchildren; his in-laws, Corinne and Kenneth Seaver, Charles and Sharon Atchison; aunt, Betty May Shear; uncle, Fay Morris; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jim was predeceased by his father, Howard; son, Joie; brother, Stephen; and granddaughter, Katrina. He was a graduate of Tioga Central High School Class of 1970 and was drafted into the US Army where he proudly served his country. On July 3, 1971 he married Vicki Atchison and together they made Nichols their home. Jim was a bricklayer for over forty years and was employed by Strope Newton Construction for the majority of his career as well as ACE Masonry upon his retirement. He was a life member of the Nichols Fire Department where he served as Past President and Lieutenant for the Fire Police. He also was a member and Past President of the NY Hereford Association. Jim enjoyed farming, fishing, hunting, leather working and spending time with his family. Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services and a celebration of Jim's life on Wednesday, November 10th, at 11 a.m. at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols with Pastor Alan Bill officiating. Interment will follow in the Nichols Cemetery. A period of visitation and time of sharing memories will be held on Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Memories and condolences for Jim's family maybe shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com. Flowers will be provided by the family and memorial contributions may be directed to the Barton United Methodist Church, 511 Old Barton Road, Barton, NY 13734 or Lourdes Hospice Home Care, 4102 Old Vestal Road, Vestal, NY 13850 in loving memory of James S. Williams.


REF: Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin on November 8, 2010

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Fire Fighter LeRoy Kemp's Last Call

IN LOVING MEMORY of LeRoy A. Kemp...

LeRoy A. Kemp July 24, 1928 - January 13, 2010

LeRoy A. Kemp, 81, of S. Vanderkarr Rd., Barton, passed away while responding to the aid of others on January 13, 2010. LeRoy was born on July 24, 1928 in Smithboro, NY, a son of the late Olin and Hazel (Thompson) Kemp. He was a graduate of Owego High School Class of 1945 and for many years owned and operated Kemp's Poultry Farm with his family in Barton. On January 13, 1946 in Smithboro, he married the love of his life, Marion Aldrich, and together they have celebrated 64 years of happiness. Always willing to assist in a time of need, LeRoy was a lifetime member of the Tioga Center Fire and Emergency Departments, where he had served as Chief, EMT and Fire Police. In addition, he was Chairman of the Board for the Fire Commissioners and had assisted with the Tioga County Fire Investigation Team. He was a dedicated and well respected fireman who will be greatly missed by his community and his fellow members. LeRoy is survived by his wife, Marion; his daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Gary Mandrino of New London, NC, Pamela and Richard Mott of Waverly, NY; a son and daughter-in-law, Milton and Nancy Kemp of Barton; brother-in-law, Edward Aldrich; sisters-in-law, Frances Gascon, Nelly Short, Betty Schmidt, Joann Rumsey, Florence Zimmerer and Julie Green; seven grandchildren, Roxann (Matthew) Galster, Karen Stewart, Michelle (Patrick Tart) Grimes, Andrea Grimes, Thomas (Melissa) Kemp, David (Brenda Hubbs) Kemp, and Sarah (Heath Bennett) Kemp; great grandchildren, Andy Garey, Samantha Stewart, Elizabeth, Catherine, Christopher and Benjamin Galster, Victoria Grimes, Kennedy and MacKenzie Hill. Several nieces, nephews and their families also survive. LeRoy was predeceased by his sister, Ella May Bill; and a sister-in-law, Adele Bettis.Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation and time of sharing memories on Saturday, January 16th, from 2-5 p.m. at the Nazarene Church, Route 17C, Owego, NY. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 17th, at 2 p.m. at the Nazarene Church with his nephew, Pastor Alan Bill and Rev. William Wells, officiating. Flowers will be provided by the family and memorial contributions are be directed to the Tioga Center Emergency Squad/Fire Dept., PO Box 185, Tioga Center, NY 13845 in loving memory of LeRoy A. Kemp. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting our website at http://www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com/. Caring assistance is being provided by the Cooley Family of the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols.

REF: Greater Binghamton Pressconnects

NEWS REF: WEBO: http://www.webo1330.com/default.asp?pid=28717

NEWS REF: News10Now: http://news10now.com/southern-tier-news-1115-content/all_news/southern_tier/492973/firefighter-killed-in-car-crash

NEWS REF: WBNG: http://www.wbng.com/news/local/81363682.html

NEWS REF: WICZ: http://www.wicz.com/news2005/viewarticle.asp?a=12281

FD Memorial Maltese Cross by Vestal Fire Fighter Dave Hitt.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Line of Duty Death of Leroy Kemp…

I first met Mr Leroy Kemp just a few days ago during my volunteer fire department’s annual banquet last Saturday night. Leroy was a guest that night from our neighbor volunteer fire department, and I had the honor of sitting next to him for the evening meal. From our conversations we all had at the table that evening, I felt privilege to know such a man who had severed his community over so many years.

With the lost of Fire Fighter Leroy Kemp early today, my condolences, thoughts & prayers go out to the Family, Friends, and Members of the Tioga Center Fire Department. Leroy Kemp a 59-year Volunteer Fireman lost his life in the Line of Duty this morning while responding to an emergency ambulance call. Leroy Kemp, age 81, was killed in a fatal motor vehicle crash while responding to the Tioga Center Fire Station.

Leroy Kemp served in the Tioga Center Fire Department as a Fire Fighter and Ambulance Driver. A past Fire Chief of the Tioga Center Fire Department, he last served as the Chairman of the Tioga Fire District, Captain of the Fire Police and Company Chaplin. Leroy Kemp was also a retired member of the Tioga County Fire Investigation Team.

Leroy Kemp was a valued member of the Tioga Center Fire Company and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, the Tioga Center Fire Department, the Tioga County Fire Service and the community that he served so faithfully.

Now Leroy is gone and it’s a sad lost. For me even though I only knew Leroy for a brief moment of time on this Earth you’re the example for which I choose to follow as a Fireman…

What is a Fireman?

He is the guy next door - a man's man with the memory of a little boy. He has never gotten over the excitement of engines and sirens and danger.

He is a guy like you and me with wants and worries and unfulfilled dreams.

Yet he stands taller than most of us.

He is a fireman.

He puts it all on the line when the bell rings.

A fireman is at once the most fortunate and the least fortunate of men.

He is a man who saves lives because he has seen too much death.

He is a gentle man because he has seen the awesome power of violence out of control.

He is responsive to a child's laughter because his arms have held too many small bodies that will never laugh again.

He is a man who appreciates the simple pleasures of life - hot coffee held in numb, unbending fingers - a warm bed for bone and muscle compelled beyond feeling - the camaraderie of brave men - the divine peace and selfless service of a job well done in the name of all men.

He doesn't wear buttons or wave flags or shout obscenities.

When he marches, it is to honor a fallen comrade.

He doesn't preach the brotherhood of man.

He lives it.

Author unknown

You will be missed Leroy but…

Never Forgotten Sir...