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Timothy Schock of the Chesapeake Police Department's dive team takes part in a training session in January 2008. (Virginian-Pilot file photo)

From: State Police asked to investigate Chesapeake officer’s death | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com.

Chesapeake Police Chief Kelvin Wright has asked Virginia State Police to investigate the death of a police officer who died Tuesday during a dive training exercise.

“Their expertise in the area of underwater search and rescue will, I am confident, prove valuable to this effort and we greatly appreciate their willingness to assist,” Wright wrote in a news release this morning.

A veteran member of the Police Department’s dive team, Officer Timothy Schock, 41, died after struggling to breathe while submerged during a training exercise at Oak Grove Lake Park. The exercise was part of search-and-rescue training, according to the Police Department.

Continue Reading… State Police asked to investigate Chesapeake officer’s death | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com.

VVFD President Bob Zillian, left, stands with Sam Savia and Chief John Morrison after a ceremony in July honoring Savia's 70 years of service to the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. They gifted Savia with a ceremonial axe and named the apparatus bay in his honor. Savia died Friday in Vienna at the age of 85. Credit: Lydia Russo

Read the entire story here: http://vienna.patch.com/articles/friends-remember-patriarch-of-fire-department-vienna#photo-8692741

For Sam Savia, the question was never ‘Why,’ it was always ‘what can I do and how?’

The lifetime Vienna resident was many things to many people, friends say: a 70-year volunteer with the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, a 50-year member of the Lions Club, a familiar face during little league games at Waters Field, an usher at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. A father, brother, husband and son.

Even when he long passed the age of retirement, the 85-year-old strolled to the fire department’s Sunday bingo game like clockwork, first to the coat closet to hang up his coat and then to his seat behind the cash register, helping run the department’s largest fundraiser week after week, year after year.

Read the entire story here: http://vienna.patch.com/articles/friends-remember-patriarch-of-fire-department-vienna#photo-8692741

Alan Scott Kinnison, 49, passed away at his home on Thursday, October 27, 2011, after a long, courageous battle with brain cancer. “Scott” was born in Celina, Ohio and was a resident of the Virginia Peninsula for the last 24 years. He was a firefighter/ paramedic with the York County Fire Dept. and retired as a LT in 2009, and was a ten year veteran of the US Air Force. He loved aviation and was a private pilot.

Scott was preceded in death by his father Melvin Kinnison.
He is survived by his wife Rebecca Kinnison; a son Adrian Kinnison of Columbus, Ohio; his mother Phyllis Frye of Cape Coral, FL; his step-mother Marilyn Kinnison of Urbana, Ohio; brothers Stuart Kinnison and his fiance Kimberly Nott, and Vince Schulze and his fiancé Medina Ponzo of Cape Coral, FL. He is also survived by his sisters Stephanie Line of Cape Coral, FL; Stacy Fligor and her husband Scott of Las Vegas, NV; his father-in-law James Wilson of Urbana, Ohio; a brother-in-law Dr. James M. Wilson and his wife Michelle of Ft. Mill, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 3, 2011, in the chapel of Amory Funeral Home, Grafton with Rev. Clarence Hilling, Newport News Fire Chief, Retired, officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

The family would like to thank the Brothers and Sisters of the IAFF Local 2498, and the York County Fire Dept. for their special assistance during Scott’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the YCPFF Benevolent Fund, P.O. Box 1308, Yorktown, VA 23692.

HARRIS, Robert, Alexander “Bobby” Jr., 83, of Maidens, Va., passed away on August 30, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Willa Jean Hawk Harris; daughters, Betty Mattice and Patricia Wertz; his son, Bubba Harris (Andrea); his sister, Jean Harris McCuiston (Walter “Terry”); grandchildren, Stephanie Williams (Justin), Chris Wertz, Brent Mattice and Kasey Harris; great-grandchildren, Chase and Evan Williams; numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Bobby was a 33 year retired employee of Interbake Foods (AKA FFV Famous Foods of Virginia). Memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Elpis Christian Church, 2703 Elpis Church Rd, Maidens, Va. 23102. Family will receive friends after the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Goochland Co. #5 Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 306, Goochland, Va. 23063.

CHESTERFIELD, VA WWBT – NBC12 has learned new information about a motorcycle accident that killed a volunteer Chesterfield firefighter on Interstate 95 Thursday night.31-year-old Chris Davidson and his fiancée were killed when his Harley collided with a car that was stopped on the highway, just before eleven oclock.Firefighters are a close group. There is an unspeakable bond formed while putting their lives on the line together every day. Chris Davidson made his presence known as a medic and volunteer. His death has left a huge hole.

via Firefighters mourn volunteer killed in crash – NBC12 News, Weather Sports, Traffic, and Programming Guide for Richmond, VA |.

DOWDEN, Merwyn Lear, 68, of Chester, passed away on Monday, July 25, 2011. He is a retired Assistant Chief of the Fort Lee Fire Department. He was a former member of the Virginia Aviation Museum in Richmond. Mr. Dowden is a member of First United Methodist Church in Hopewell. He was preceded in death by his parents, William C. Dowden Sr. and Nora Maile Dowden. He is survived by his wife, Margie E. Dowden; brother, W.C. “Bud” Dowden Jr. and his wife, Barbara; six nieces and four nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 27. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. at the funeral home on Thursday, July 28, with Dr. Michael Browder and Rev. Daniel Elmore officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Enon Volunteer Fire Department or First United Methodist Church in Hopewell. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

O’DONNELL, Grace Susan (nee Healy), 98, of Midlothian, formerly of New York City, was born to eternal life June 25, 2011. She was preceded in death by her parents, John J. and Alice Gore Healy; four sisters, five brothers; husband of 53 years, Thomas J. O’Donnell; sons, John J. and Terence J. O’Donnell; grandsons, Kenneth P. and Captain Terence S. Hatton, FDNY. She leaves to cherish her memory and keep her love alive daughters, Alice Williams of Oakton, Va., Grace Hatton (Kenneth) of Rockville Centre, N.Y., Johanna Gross (John) of Virginia Beach, Va.; son, Thomas J. O’Donnell Jr. (Marion) of Midlothian, Va.; 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, many beloved nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with a Christian Wake service at 7:30 p.m. at Bliley’s-Chippenham, 6900 Hull Street Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12 noon Thursday at St. Edward The Confessor Catholic Church, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, N.Y. The family wishes to extend special heartfelt gratitude to Grace’s loving caregivers, Mrs. Sunny Bell and Mrs. Teresa C. Perdue. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 301, Maryknoll, N.Y. 10545-9989.

Paramedic/Firefighter David Palmer was laid to rest yesterday. His funeral was attended by family, friends, and co-workers. The funeral procession was led by one of Roanoke’s Medic Units, and numerous other ambulances were among the vehicles in the procession. Carilion’s Lifeguard 10 did a flyover at the cemetery.

I imagine it was just as Dave would have wanted it.

Photo by Drew Abel

Captain Chad Riddleberger and Deputy Chief Billy Altman both spoke on their long-time friendships with Dave and shared many stories that embraced who Dave was and the mark he left behind.

Dave was a huge asset to EMS in the Roanoke area. He was a preceptor, coworker, and friend to many. He will be remembered for his friendliness, his ability to share and stell stories, and his knowledge in the EMS field.

Previous Coverage of David Palmer’s death is here

Roanoke Times: Longtime Roanoke firefighter David Palmer ‘has answered his last call’

The photos below are by Roanoke Firefighter/Paramedic Drew Abel

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.

Videos posted below of the 14th Annual Virginia Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. The event was held on June 4, 2011 in Richmond.

There are more videos on youtube:

FunGirlWriter

FirerescueMan10

Previous coverage on VAFireNews.com:

2011 Virginia Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

K9 LODD Honored at 2011 Virginia Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

Special thanks to Captain Willie Wines Jr. of IronFiremen.com for posting a link to the live feed of the service on June 4th.  I apologize for not airing it on VAFireNews.com but I did not know it existed until after the event.  He also ran a promotional video from VDFP that I have included below.

Victoria Fire & Rescue Company, Inc. and Colonial Heights Fire and EMS lost one of its finest members on May 4, 2011.  Robert W. “Bobby” King died in a tragic car accident in Nottoway County.

Bobby was a member of Victoria Fire & Rescue Company, Inc. since 1986, becoming a Life Member in 2003.  His career service began with Fort Lee Fire and Emergency Services. In 1997, he transitioned to Colonial Heights Fire and EMS, rising to the rank of lieutenant. He worked on “A” shift at Station 2 in the city of Colonial Heights. Bobby also served as a flight paramedic with Virginia State Police EMS MedFlight 1.

Bobby’s community service traveled beyond the realm of fire and EMS.  As a coach involved with youth sports, he was a friend and mentor to everyone he met.  Bobby was an excellent role model to many children.  Bobby was also a dedicated member of the Victoria United Methodist Church and assisted with their youth group.  His presence will be greatly missed by all.

The family will be receiving friends at the Victoria Fire & Rescue Company, Inc. building located at 1421 Main Street, Victoria, VA, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 7, 2011.  The funeral services for Robert W. “Bobby” King will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 8, 2011, also at the Victoria Fire & Rescue station, with interment following at the Lakeview Cemetery.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Victoria United Methodist Church Youth Group or to Victoria Fire & Rescue.

Victoria United Methodist Church
1906 Lee Avenue
Victoria, VA 23974

Victoria Fire and Rescue Co., Inc
P.O. Box 1419
Victoria, VA 23974

George M. Kump

KUMP, George M., 80, went home to be with his Lord on May 1, 2011. He is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley A. Kump; his four sons, Gary, Jerry, Greg and Glen Kump; and his brother, Dave Kump. He served in the U.S. Air Force during WW II. He retired from the Richmond City Fire Department and was assistant chaplain of the Chesterfield County Jail. He was a faithful member of Clover Hill Baptist Church. The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 3, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bliley’s – Chippenham, 6900 Hull Street Road. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, at Clover Hill Baptist Church. Interment Dale Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Clover Hill Baptist Church, 3100 Courthouse Rd., Richmond, Va. 23236, or the Bible Broadcasting Network, P.O. Box 67300, Charlotte, N.C. 28241.

HAJACOS, James Preston, 72, of Emporia, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2011, in the Medical College of Virginia. Mr. Hajacos was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Martha Stinnett Hajacos. James was a retiredfirefighter with the Fort Lee Fire Department, a member of the St. Elpis Greek Orthodox Church, a member of the Order of the AHEPA and a U.S. Air Force veteran. He is survived by his wife, Angel Marie Hajacos; two sons, Mark Hajacos and his wife, Donna, Chris Hajacos and his wife, Phyllis; a daughter, Michelle Miller and her husband, Steve; two stepsons, Dwayne and Donnie; four stepdaughters, Kathy, Brenda, Katherine and Tina; 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Pete and Nick Hajacos; sister, Lilly Gibson. Funeral services will be conducted 12:30 p.m. (today) Saturday, April 16, 2011, at the St. Elpis Greek Orthodox Church. Interment will follow in Skinquarter Baptist Church Cemetery at 3 p.m., Moseley, Va. A memorial service and meal will be conducted Sunday, May 22, 2011, after church services at the St. Elpis Greek Orthodox Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Elpis Greek Orthodox Church. Condolences may be registered at www.nelsencares.com.

2011 Virginia Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service – June 4, 2011 12 p.m.The annual Virginia Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at the Richmond International Raceway Complex’s Old Domninion Building. Seven firefighters who died in the line of duty or have been recognized by the Virginia Line of Duty Act in the last year will be honored for their bravery and dedicated public service.

2010 coverage - 2009 coverage

The fallen firefighters to be honored are Assistant Chief Carl Persing of Dale City Volunteer Fire Department and City of Manassas, Firefighter Timothy Pigg of Amherst Volunteer Fire Department, Chief Posey Dillon of Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department, Firefighter William “Danny” Altice of Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department, Firefighter William Harold “Hal” Clark of Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, Battalion Chief William Obenchain Jr. of Roanoke Fire-EMS, and Firefighter Zygimantas Zalys of City of Manassas.  In addition to honoring recently fallen firefighters, the memorial service will honor the memory of all Virginia firefighters who have given their lives in the service of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Photo by Drew Abel

The memorial service will include a keynote address by an honored guest speaker, a Virginia Fire Services Honor Guard procession featuring the Saint Andrew’s Legion Pipes and Drums, musical performances, and a fire apparatus display from fire departments across the state.   State flags will be presented to the families of the fallen firefighters.

A reception, hosted by the Virginia Professional Firefighters Association, will be held for fallen firefighter family members and guests immediately following the service.   Both the service and the reception are open to the public.

For more information on the Virginia Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, contact Mark L. Buff at (804) 249.1965 or visit www.vafire.com.

Please make your plans to attend this important event and pay tribute to these heroes. The 2011 service is the 14th annual service to honor Virginia’s fallen firefighters. If your department is interested in sending apparatus to the service, please contact Bill Jones bjfirepro@aol.com.

Individuals or departments interested in Honor Guard participation should contact Ron Quesenberry at RonQ@james-city.va.us.

This is the promotional video for the 2011 VA Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

Here is another interesting video from Prince William Delegate Richard L. Anderson who rises to speak about the 2011 VA Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

Davide Gabriel “Gabe” Couch
Meadows of Dan Fire Department & Vesta Rescue Squad

Mr. David Gabriel “Gabe” Couch, age 19 of Meadows of Dan, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2011 as the results of an automobile accident. He was born in Suffolk, Virginia on August 19, 1991. Gabe was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Raymond Edward Couch and Evelyn Tesh Couch. He had attended Slate Mountain Presbyterian Church and Meadows of Dan Baptist Church, was a member of the Meadows of Dan Volunteer Fire Department and the Vesta Rescue Squad, and was a cook at Mabry Mill. He loved the Georgia Bulldogs and anything Dodge.
Gabe is survived by his parents, David L. and Tiffany Pack Couch of the home; one sister, Allie V. Couch of the home; one brother, Jonathan E. Couch of Florida; and his maternal grandparents, Vicki Brown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Gary Pack of Florida.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Rev. Ed Hartman officiating. Burial will follow in the Meadows of Dan Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Meadows of Dan Fire Department, P.O. Box 830, Meadows of Dan, Virginia 24120. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

Editor’s Note: Check out the Meadows of Dan FD Facebook page for more information and posting condolences as well.

BAKER, John Garland, 78, of Hartfield, Va., went home to our Lord on Sunday, February 20, 2011. He leaves behind his devoted bride of 56 years, Carolyn “Lynn” Baker; three sons, P. Gary Baker, Curt G. Baker and Matt G. Baker; and two daughters, Cindy B. Morgan and Jenny B. Panchision. He is survived by his brother, Philip Baker and wife of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and his sister, Beverly Beazlie and husband of Yorktown, Va. He will be greatly missed by his 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. John was a retired Captain with the City of Richmond Fire Department for 25 years and was a veteran of the 11th Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. He was also a skilled carpenter, painter, insulation contractor, Master Gardener and postal carrier in Middlesex County. He served as a Boy Scout leader for over 10 years and started the first integrated Scout Troop in Middlesex County. Mr. Baker was a founding member of Catholic Church of the Visitation. He also contributed much of his time serving in several ministries in the church community. He had a compassionate and generous spirit about everything that he did, but above all, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Funeral services will be held at Church of the Visitation, 8642 General Puller Highway in Topping, Va., on Saturday, February 26, 2011. Family greeting at 10 a.m. Memorial Mass at 11 a.m., followed by a reception. Memorial donations can be made to the Church of the Visitation, P.O. Box 38, Topping, Va. 23169. (804)758-5160

Luther H. “Punchy” Jennings

JENNINGS, Luther H. “Punchy,” 76, retired Richmond City Firefighter and Senior Chief of Coast Guard Reserve, of Richmond, departed this life February 21, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Ollie Jennings; two brothers, Earshell H. Jennings and Willard R. Jennings; and one sister, Julie C. Jennings. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, June R. Jennings; three children, Karin S. Jennings, L. Scott Jennings and Melissa J. Kunnecke; two granddaughters, Chelsea N. Kunnecke and Kayla M. Kunnecke; sisters, Nadine J. Banton and Linda J. Parrish; also numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 23, at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad Street, where a memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Date of Birth April 29, 1934

Joined the Fire Bureau September 24, 1955

SPROUSE, K. Wayne, 74, of Chesterfield, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 16, 2011. Born in Richmond, Wayne was a veteran of the U.S.Army Reserve and a retired maintenance superintendent for the Chesterfield County Fire Department. He was a member of the Dale Ruritan Club for 27 years, and served as Lt. District Governor and Zone Governor of Ruritan National, as well as Club president. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Cora Ann Stephens Sprouse; daughter, Sharon S. Killen (James); son, Jerry W. Sprouse (Susan Acevedo); sister, Iona Reiordan; two brothers, Richard W. “Dick” Sprouse, Raymond M. “Buddy” Sprouse; three grandchildren, Elizabeth “Liz” Thomas, Eric and Mike Killen; three great-grandchildren, Mekenzie and Meghan Thomas and Logan Killen. The family will receive friends 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, February 20, 2011, at Morrissett Funeral Home, 6500 Iron Bridge Rd. (Rte. 10), Richmond. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, at Southside Baptist Church, 6000 Iron Bridge Rd., Richmond. Interment will follow in Dale Memorial Park, 10201 Newbys Bridge Rd., Chesterfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dale Ruritan Foundation, 5101 Ruritan Pl., Richmond, Va. 23234.