David Palmer passed away on June 10, 2011 after a battle with cancer. Dave’s last assignment was at Station 3 B-shift. He was a leading authority on Paramedicine within the City and a long-time preceptor. He began his career with Roanoke EMS when it was formed in the mid-1980′s. He later became a firefighter when Roanoke EMS merged with the Roanoke Fire Department. His career spanned 26 years with Roanoke 10 years in EMS prior.

He was a devoted father, friend, husband, and much more. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Palmer’s death is expected to be a Virginia LODD as well as IAFF LODD.

Arrangements:

Visitation will be held Sunday June 12th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Oakey’s North Chapel on Peters Creek Road.

The funeral will be held at Life Church Assembly of God at 2pm on Monday June 13th. Interment will follow at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park.

Fire-EMS Department personnel are asked to wear Class A uniforms.

Obituary:

David Palmer, REMT-P, 54, of Roanoke, went to be with his Heavenly Father on June 10, 2011. He was predeceased by his father, William E. Palmer, stepfather, William F. Greenway Sr., mother-in-law, Evelyn Thornton Brickey and stepsister, Sherry Woolard. He is survived by his wife, Billie Jean (B.J.) Palmer’ his children, Michael and Kathryn of the home; mother, Betty Semones Palmer Greenway; brothers, William A (Vicki) Palmer of Roanoke, Daniel R. (Nancy) Palmer of Richmond; stepbrother, William F. Greenway, Jr., of Florida; father-in-law, Bill Brickey of Salem; brother-in-law, Darryl (Beth) Brickey of Roanoke; sister-in-law, Dana M. (Jim) George, of Roanoke; special “sister”, Susan (Curtis) Welch and their daughter, Brooke of Vinton; nephews and nieces, Zach and Drew Palmer, Jessica and Rachel Brickey, Marie, Laurie, Allison, Mac and Zac George; great-niece, Kierra Thomas.

Firefighter/Paramedic David Palmer

Dave’s 36 year EMS career included 26 years as a paramedic/firefighter with the Roanoke City Fire/EMS, he was a preceptor with the Jefferson College of Health Sciences and Carilion Clinic Patient Transport; he was an ACIS, PALS, and PHILS instructor. He served as Clubmaster of Pack 472 in Cloverdale, Assistant Scoutmaster of pack 136 in Bonsack, and Scoutmaster of Special needs Troop 238 in Roanoke. David was a lay leader and member of the choir and quartet at Grace United Methodist Church. He was devoted to the service of His Lord, his community and his family, from running bases with his children at a challenging little league baseball game, teaching a child a scout life skill or an adult a life saving skill, he gave his all to the very end.

Funeral service will be at the Life Church Assembly of God (behind Oakey’s North Chapel), 2 p.m. Monday, June 13, 2011 the Rev. E.E. “Dick” Jones will officiate; interment will follow at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park.

Memorials can be made to a fund for Michael and Kate and Grace United Methodist Church, attn: Jim George, 4404 Williamson Rd. NW. Roanoke VA 24012.The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.

L-R: FF/PM David Palmer, FF/PM Justin Hines, FF Brad Creasy, Lt. Patterson, Captain Willie Wines Jr. This photo was taken at the old #3.