Firefighters honored in 13^th annual memorial

By Becky Robinette Wright

City of Richmond Quint 14 and Henrico Division of Fire Truck 1 silently faced each other at the entrance and walkway to the memorial service building at RIR Complex.

Slowly the aerial ladders were extended. Firefighters attached the flag and slowly and respectively it was raised.

Black, red, yellow and other apparatus from antique to new lined the driveway in a colorful display.

Onlookers formed a crowd that stood only speaking in hushed whispers.

Bagpipers and the honor guard lined up. The siren sounded long and piercing at noon. The honor guard and bagpipers slowly in perfect formation marched in.

The ceremony had begun.

Honored for their sacrifice were:

JEFFRY A. REED – Rank-Firefighter. Reed was a Pulaski Fire Department firefighter. He began his service in 2001 as a volunteer firefighter. He achieved certification in Firefighter I and II and Haz Mat in less than two years. He was hired as a career firefighter in October 2002. He was certified as Fire Officer I with over 500 hours of other recognized fire service training. He was an accomplished carpenter and brick/block mason.

MICHAEL E. NEW – Rank-Captain. New was a nationally registered EMT/Paramedic for over 20 years. He was a past Captain and Life Member of Bennett’s Creek Rescue Squad and a former Deputy with the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Department. New volunteered with many national, state and local organizations. He was a short track racecar driver at Langley and Southampton Speedways.

CARL A. BARBER – Rank-Master Firefighter. Barber served for nearly 30 years for Virginia Beach Fire Department. New served with Engines 16, 18, 19, 10 and 6. He had a reputation for being an excellent operator and a dedicated member of his department. He assisted with the training of many new officers at his companies.

LARRY W. FELTON SR. – Rank-Firefighter. Felton served in the U.S. Army then began serving with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service. Felton faithful served in his department for 35 years.

CARL NORDWALL – Rank-Captain. Nordwall was a Fire Captain with the Norfolk Airport and a life member of Oceana Volunteer Fire Department. He was the past president of Local 3406 and a charter member of American Legion Riders Chapter 49 out of Smithville,Va.

BOBBY JOE MULLINS – Rank-Assistant Fire Chief. Mullins served with Dante Volunteer Fire Department for over a decade. He loved helping others. Mullins was an accomplished musician.

The memorial service, hosted by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, included a keynote address by Secretary of Public Safety Marla G. Decker, a Virginia Fire Services Honor Guard procession featuring the Saint Andrew’s Legion Pipes and Drums, musical performances by Richmond recording artist Susan Greenbaum and Nashville recording artist Kari Smith, and a fire apparatus display from fire departments across the state. Virginia state flags were presented to the families of the fallen firefighters.

A reception followed hosted by the Virginia Professional Firefighters Association.