HUDSON, Herman Wesley Sr., 85, passed away July 23, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Helen; son, Rocky (Cindy); daughter, Suzanne; stepdaughters, Vickie Dance (Gerald) and Vivian McCutcheon (Joey); sister, Jewell Wright; grandchildren, Wes Hudson (Jeanna), Stephen; stepgrandchildren, Jonathan Dance (Kyla), Jessica Smith (Allen), Jaime Condrey, and Baker, Dorie, and Nicholas McCutcheon; stepgreat-grandchild, Rilynne Smith; and many friends from Henrico and Richmond Fire Departments, Mall Walkers and Hardee’s. Wesley worked for Richmond Rubber Company for 50 years and was general manager for 31 years. He was a longtime member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Wesley contributed many years of community service to the Richmond Metropolitan Area. The family would like to thank Sunrise at Bon Air Assisted Living and Hospice Community Care for all their kindness and loving care. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 25 at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Avenue. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 26 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 2401 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Va. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. at Dale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 2319 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Va. 23223.

Contributors to this Article:
VPFF Secretary/Treasurer Mike Hanks L-1132
Rhett Fleitz L-1132

Those of us who have served the IAFF, State Associations, and Local affiliates know the difficulty in setting our personal lives aside and maintaining a professional and determined course of action in fighting for firefighter’s rights, benefits, and working conditions. A Labor leader must have the passion, skill and will to overcome obstacles on a daily basis.  Occasionally we are blessed with an individual who exemplifies this role. For those of us in Roanoke, Virginia, and across the Nation we know that one of these trade unionist is D. Duane Dixon.

Duane's Department Photo

Duane passed away on July 10, 2010 in Fort Myers, Florida. To those who knew Duane he was a friend, husband, father, and brother. Duane was 74 years old.

Duane worked as a firefighter for the Roanoke (VA) Fire Department from December 9, 1963 until December 15, 1988 and retired at the rank of Lieutenant. Duane served the department during some of its busiest times. He was there when the department expanded from two platoons to three in 1972. Local 1132 had a huge role in making this happen.

As much as he loved the fire service, his true passion was the Union.  He served the Roanoke Fire Fighters Association Local 1132 as President for 6 years from 1980-1982 and 1984-1986 and as Treasurer and/or Secretary/Treasurer  for 11 years from 1968-1978. He also served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters Association for 30 years. He was elected President Emeritus for Local 1132 and Secretary Treasurer Emeritus for the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters.  He remains the only Emeritus Officer for the VPFF.

He was very active with the IAFF as well. He served as chairman of the IAFF Credentials committee for many years.  He also served as S/T for the Federation of State and Provincial Professional Fire Fighters and the Southern Federation of Professional Fire Fighters.

During the many years as a labor leader Duane never missed a IAFF or VPFF Convention and only missed one VPFF tri-yearly board meeting (he had to attend a IAFF committee meeting on collective bargaining in DC).  As a delegate from Local 1132, his youthfulness often resonated with those travelling with him. He was a great person to be around and his attitude made you want to work harder as a Union representative.

Duane’s lifelong service to the IAFF, VPFF, and RFFA has and will continue to truly benefit its members. Duane’s legacy will serve as a guiding light for Union stewardship for a very long time.

Please also check out the IAFF’s article on Duane here.

Bud Ryder, Chief of Pocahontas Fire Dept. passed on Sunday July 4th 2010 after a long fought illness. He served as Chief of Abb’s Valley Fire Dept for numerous years, before he went to Pocahontas Fire Dept. He also was a member of Rescue 945, he will be missed by all.

WILLIAMS, John Brennan Sr., 85, of Mechanicsville, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2010. He was the son of the late William Joseph Sr. and Mamie Schardt Williams. He was preceded in death by five brothers, William “Bubba” Joseph Williams Jr., Lewis “Budha” E. Williams, Charles “Pat” Q. Williams, Karl “Coney” L. Williams and Bert A. Williams; and a sister, Helen “Sissie” W. Bahen. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Margaret Williams; a son, John “Bren” B. Williams Jr. (Beth); a daughter, Valerie Denton (Ken); three grandchildren, Kendall Denton, Andrew Williams and Corbin Williams, two great-grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Anne Bond; and a brother, Ray “Pete” R. Williams and wife, Betty. He was a retired battalion chief for the city of Richmond and served in the Army during WWII. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville, where funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 11 am. Interment will follow in Washington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church 1637 Williamsburg Road, Richmond, Va. 23231

Published in Richmond Times-Dispatch from July 6 to July 7, 2010

WESTBURY, William Richard Jr., went to be with his Lord on June 14, 2010. He is survived by three children, Wayne R. Westbury, Shirley Anne Westbury and Linda Mae Westbury. He is also survived by one brother, Robert Westbury; sister-in- law, Shirley Westbury; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mr. Westbury worked for 25 years for the City of Richmond Fire Department, achieving the rank of Captain before retiring early at age 55. Mr. Westbury was also a WWII Purple Heart recipient. He enjoyed being a member of the Tuckahoe Masonic Lodge. Graveside services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, the Heart Association or to the Benevolent Fireman’s Fund. Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, assisting family with arrangements.

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.

TODD, Lee Anthony, age 45, of Midlothian, died May 30, 2010. Moving to the area from Wytheville, Va., Lee served in the United States Army before becoming a professional firefighter with the Richmond City Fire Department. Lee loved spending his free moments outside hiking, kayaking, fishing, and climbing. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Danielle, and their two Alaskan Malamutes, Glacier and Evelyn; parents John and Susan Todd; brother, Nick Todd and wife, Monica; and two nephews and two nieces. The family will receive friends at Bliley’s – Chippenham, 6900 Hull Street Road, 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 3 with a memorial service directly following at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Boy Scout Troop #60, Attn: Don Spiller, 455 E. Spiller Street, Wytheville, Va. 24382.

Published in Richmond Times-Dispatch on June 2, 2010

Story by Becky Robinette Wright

DINWIDDIE,Va-Oliver Jacob (Jerry) Miles, Jr. , 62, passed away on May 27.

Jerry was a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow in the Boys Scouts of America.

He was also a member of Namozine Fire & EMS, Dinwiddie, VA.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced via Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

By MORRIS STEPHENSON – Staff Writer – Franklin News Post

Owen Lewis, a 40-year-old Rocky Mount volunteer firefighter, lost his battle with cancer Sunday evening.

Lewis died just over a month after local residents generously responded with the biggest yard sale fundraiser ever held in Rocky Mount. Items donated for the sale filled all the bays of the fire station.

More than $15,000 was raised to assist the family with medical bills.

The Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department, of which Lewis was a member for 16 years and served as chaplain, held the fundraiser April 17 at the fire station on North Main Street.

Lewis, his wife, Rachel, and children, Issac, 13; Amber, 11; Isabella, 10; and Andrew, 8, attended the event.

Continue reading… Firefigther loses battle with cancer – The Franklin News Post.

GILLIAM, Terry W., 54, of Chesterfield, passed away May 16, 2010. He was preceded in death by his father, H. M. “Gil” Gilliam. He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 34 years, Rose Ellis Gilliam; two sons, Travis Gilliam and his wife, Kristen, and Nathan Gilliam and his wife, Brandi; two infant granddaughters, Kylie Marie and Ella Grace Gilliam; his mother, Carole Gilliam; his brother, Marty Gilliam and his wife, Dot; his sister, Connie Hart and her husband, Jim; his in-laws, Ray and Barbara Ellis; his lifelong best friend, David Emory; and an incredible group of family and friends. His family will receive friends 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Bliley’s-Chippenham, 6900 Hull Street Rd., where a funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday. Interment Dale Memorial Park. Terry was the owner of Terry’s Small Engine Repair and Sales and Knabe Outdoor Power Equipment. He served as a volunteer fireman for Chesterfield County and a youth baseball coach. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation, 7151 N. Main St., Suite 2, Clarkston, Mich. 48346.

HOLLEY, Paul Edward Jr., 71, of Dinwiddie County, passed away Thursday, April 22, 2010. Born in Blacksburg, Va., he was the son of the late Paul Edward and Alice Chance Holley. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Holley made his residence in Richmond, Va., where he served as a Richmond City police officer for 15 years. He went on to serve as a firefighter with the City of Richmond for an additional 15 years before retiring. Paul was a dedicated member and Deacon at Western Heights Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Richmond Retired Police Officers Association. Paul was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Holley. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Holley; daughters, Kathy Cruz and husband, Brian, of McKenney, Va.; and Diana Rudolph, also of McKenney; grandchildren, Paul Leslie and wife, Rena; Krystal Cruz, Jon Cruz, Amanda McDaniel and Travis McDaniel; sisters, Barbara Roberts and husband, Cotton, of Richmond, and Mary Jenkins and husband, Raymond, of Sutherland; brother, Clifton Holley and wife, Gladys, of Richmond; special sister-in-law, JoAnn Dubois; special brother-in-law, Bubba Frank and wife, Carolyn; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, Deacon and friend to many. A memorial service will be conducted 12 p.m. Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Western Heights Baptist Church, with Pastor Jon Dundalow officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Western Heights Baptist Church Building Fund, 24416 Cox Road, Petersburg, Va. 23803. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

www.2timesdispatch.com

Norfolk, Va. – Today a Norfolk firefighter was laid to rest.

Kyle Gavin lost his battle against cancer last week. Today the man who had a passion for driving fire trucks took one last ride.

With fire ladders crossed overhead, Norfolk Fire-Rescue's Engine 11 made its way into Olive Branch Cemetery with Norfolk firefighter Kyle Gavin's casket riding on top.

Gavin dreamed of driving the new engine. Instead, it drove him to his final resting place.

“He was a great artist, he did a couple of pictures from hand within the department but that fire inside of him grew and he was able to express that with everybody that was ever around him,” said Lt. Bobby Matthews, Norfolk Fire-Rescue.

Continue reading… Norfolk firefighter laid to rest after battle with cancer – WTKR.

JAMES CITY COUNTY

A 27-year-old county firefighter died when his motorcycle crashed into a guardrail Sunday night at Va. 199 and Monticello Avenue, police said.

Christopher D. Karban was headed west on Va. 199 about 10:20 p.m. when the motorcycle went off the road and crashed at the Monticello overpass

Continue reading… James City County firefighter dies in crash | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com.

Fairfax County Firefighter Tae Pak passed away on March 29, 2010. Tae was 34 years old. He was assigned to Station 37 B-Shift.

Tae graduated in the 110th recruit school for Fairfax County in 2004.

We do not have  a lot of information at this time nor have we found an obituary. However, we do have funeral instructions thanks to the blog The Big Eye in the Sky. They have some more information as well.

We hope they do not mind me copying the information below. There is more information for department members there as well

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Visitation & Evening Memorial Service:
Thursday, April 1, 2010
1900-2100 hours
Open Door Presbyterian Church
3001 Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
703-318-8972
http://opendoorpc.org

Morning Funeral Service:
Friday April 2, 2010
1000-1130 hours
Open Door Presbyterian Church
3001 Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
703-318-8972
http://opendoorpc.org

Interment (immediately following the service):
Friday, April 2, 2010
1230 hours
Fairfax Memorial Park
9902 Braddock Road
Fairfax, VA. 22032

Full details located here
More info on funeral arrangements here

HOLLETT, Donald Eugene, 63, of Chesterfield, passed away Monday, March 29, 2010 at Johnston-Willis Medical Center. He was the son of the late Eugene Cade Hollett, and was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Marie Hollett. Mr. Hollett was a member of Swift Creek Baptist Church, Midlothian. He was a retired fireman with the Chesterfield County Fire Department, a life member of Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad, and a lifelong Hokie fan. Mr. Hollett is survived by his wife, Norma Smith Hollett; two daughters, Denise Leonowicz Flournoy and husband, Emory, of Goochland and Jennifer Leonowicz Holdren and husband, James, of Midlothian; three grandchildren, Vencetia, Rhianna, and Ryland; his mother, Dorothy Mason Hollett of Daleville; a brother, James C. Hollett and wife, Sarah W., of Daleville; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Margaret and Marvin Traylor of Colonial Heights; three nieces, Emily H. Pitts and husband, Lewie, Angela H. Traynham and husband, Chris, and Lisa Traylor; a nephew, J. Brian Hollett; and two great-nieces, Lola and Zoe. A graveside service will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday (today), March 31, 2010 at Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George, with Pastor Ronnie Brown officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Swift Creek Baptist Church, 7511 N. Spring Run Road, Midlothian, Virginia 23112; Chesterfield County Fire & EMS, P.O. Box 40, Chesterfield, Virginia 23832; or the National Kidney Foundation , 1742 East Parham Road, Richmond, Virginia 23228. Arrangements by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.

By Becky Robinette Wright

Sgt. Mike Goff of the City of  Petersburg Fire Department paid the ultimate price on March 19, 1982. The Petersburg’s Bravest died while trying to save residents from a raging structure fire. On March 19, 2010, a special wreath laying ceremony took place in his honor.

On March 19, 1982 around 7 p.m.tones sounded dispatching firefighters to the Franklin Apartments for smoke coming from the basement.

Twelve apartment units were located above businesses in a brick, three story building that housed mostly elderly residents.

One of the elderly residents, Daisy Houchins, 78 was attempting to get to safety down a fire escape. About that time, Sgt. Mike Goff had entered the building.

Three explosions rocked the complex and the city. Firefighters were blown across the street, a fireball hit one of the fire trucks causing heavy damage and the building collapsed. Daisy Houchins and Sgt Mike Goff were buried in the rubble that covered multiple streets.

The search for the missing Houchins and Goff was no easy task.

“ After the collapse, “ said Jeff Rose, then a Phillips Volunteer Firefighter (Chesterfield) who was on scene as a mutual aid company, “ we had to dig out two sides of a building that had collapsed. Two crews were working in the center of the alley, the debris was handed out brick by brick. Goff’s air pack was located first.”

When the air pack was discovered, Rose continued, Mike Goff’s crew personally carried him out.

“At the time,” Rose explained,” we didn’t know how many people could have been buried.”

Goff and Houchins were killed in the collapse and over thirty people were injured. One firefighter was taken to the hospital with injuries.

Explosions came from the furnace in the apartment building, gas heaters in a sandwich shop and gas powered hair dryers in a hair salon.

Businesses destroyed included: Heritage Jewelers, Franklin Street Apartments, The Sandwich Shoppe and True Dream Hair Designs LTD.

Firefighters discovered two-275 gallon fuel tanks in the basement. The building had been converted to gas heat but the tanks had not been removed.

Nearly 100 firefighters from Petersburg, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Prince George, Colonial Heights and Hopewell battled the blaze and searched for victims in the rubble.

The damage estimate was around $3.5 million.

In the night and early morning hours five people were arrested for burglary and attacking/impeding police officers.

Melissa Jacobs Noel

SMITHFIELD – Melissa Jacobs “Lisa” Noel, 43, passed away March 25, 2010 in her residence. She was predeceased by her father, Michael B. Jacobs and paternal grandparents, Roy and Dora Jacobs. Born in Lexington, Va., Lisa was a 1984 graduate of Halifax County High School and attended Virginia Commonwealth University. Lisa received her associate’s degree in criminal justice and was working towards completing her bachelor’s degree. She was most recently working with the Virginia Supreme Courts as a magistrate. She received her National Register Paramedic and previously worked at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in the Cath Lab, and she also worked with the Portsmouth Fire Department where she was a captain and was named Paramedic of the Year. She also worked for Newport News Fire Department and started her career as a volunteer with Halifax County Rescue Squad and Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad. Lisa’s hobbies included designing and making jewelry and crafts. Survivors include her loving husband, Gregory C. Noel; daughter, Michaela G. Noel; her mother, Barbara Jacobs and companion David Ascher; maternal grandparents, Jack and Elizabeth Burnett; sister-in-law, Pamela and husband Jimmy Oliver; aunts and uncles, Brenda and Fredric Powell, Micky and Jackie Burnett; several nieces, nephew and cousins. A funeral will be conducted at Suffolk Christian Church, 216 N. Main St., Suffolk, VA 23434 by the Rev. Michael D. Halley on March 29 at 2 p.m. with burial at St. Luke’s Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., Suffolk, VA 23434, today from 2 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Isle of Wight Academy Building Fund, Attn: Karen Casey, P.O. Box 105, Isle of Wight, VA 23397. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot from March 27 to March 28, 2010

Arrangements

Viewing/Wake:  Tonight (March 16) from 6-8pm, South Boston Fire Company Support Center
Funeral: Wednesday (March 17) 11:00am at Calvary Baptist Church
Any questions please feel free to call the South Boston Fire Dept. at 434-575-4292

Obituary

William Alexander “Alex” Williamson of 2182 Calvary Road, Alton died Saturday, March 13, 2010, at North Carolina Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. He was born in Halifax County on Sept. 21, 1950 and was 59 years old. He was the son of the late William Washington Williamson and the late Anita Jordan Williamson and was married to Betty O’Brien Williamson, who survives.

William "Alex" Williamson

Mr. Williamson was the chief forest tech and had worked with the Virginia Department of Forestry since Sept. 16, 1974.

He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a member of Calvary United Methodist Church. He was a lifetime member of the Turbeville Volunteer Fire Department, an honorary member of the South Boston Fire Company and other fire departments.

He was a member of American Legion Post #8 and VFW Post #8243, and he was on the Farm Bureau Board of Directors, an honorary member of the FFA and a member of the Department of Forestry Honor Guard.

Mr. Williamson is survived by his wife of the home; one daughter, Amanda Grace Williamson of Roanoke; one son, John Alexander Williamson of Alton; two sisters, Charlotte Propst of Sandston, Nancy E. Williamson of Alton; two brothers, Fred Williamson and wife Nancye of Alton, Byrdie Williamson and wife Martha of Danville; two sisters-in-law, Ann-Ashby McKissick and husband Mark, Tricia Murray and husband Allen; one brother-in-law, Jim O’Brien and wife Saree; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.

The family requests in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the Alex Williamson Firefighter Scholarship Fund, c/o Benchmark Community Bank, P.O. Box 834, South Boston, Va. 24592 or Calvary UMC, Alex Williamson Memorial Fund, c/o Dave Martin, 1096 Solomon Road, Alton, Va. 24520.

Online condolences may be made at www.brooksfhinc.com.

Freak Accident Claims Life Of Chief Forest Tech

Well-known forester William Alexander “Alex” Williamson of Alton died Saturday at North Carolina Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem following a freak accident Friday night on I-40 near Mocksville in Davie County, North Carolina. He was 59 years old.

Williamson was driving a Pontiac SUV westbound on I-40 when he was struck in the head by a three-foot diameter aluminum disk, according to North Carolina State Trooper Michael Brown.

The trooper said the unidentified metal object either blew off another vehicle or was kicked up off the interstate. It glanced off the hood of the SUV and crashed through the windshield, striking Williamson in the head. After examining the aluminum disk, Brown said scuffmarks on the object leads him to believe the item came from the road.

The trooper said after hitting Williamson, the disk came to rest in the back seat of the SUV. He said the vehicle with Williamson and three passengers was traveling at approximately 70 mph at the time of the incident. He also said the vehicle was in the right travel lane and was merging into the left lane. Brown said the SUV was on cruise control, and one of the passengers in the back seat called 911 at 7:42 p.m.

Continue reading… Freak Accident Claims Life Of Chief Forest Tech.

CALLAHAN, Jocelyn “Joz,” 36, of Dinwiddie, passed away on Friday, January 22, 2010. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, and sister who had a friendly, outgoing spirit that lit up the room when she entered. Jocelyn had the ability to make a person laugh when they really wanted to cry. She was a volunteer at Namozine Fire and EMS who will be missed by all who knew her. Jocelyn is survived by her parents, Ray and Ollie Gomes; husband, Kevin M. Callahan; son, Austin Ryan Callahan; daughter, Ella Renee Callahan; sisters, Jennifer R. Gomes and Caitlin Amanda Gomes; and several cousins, nieces, and extended family and friends. The family will receive friends at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Southlawn Memorial Park. condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

Battalion Chief Billy Obenchain was laid to rest today.

As the Preacher said in the service….Billy was a firefighter….Truer words have not been spoken.

All of those who had a part in the service should be proud of a send-off worthy of a hero.

I think we did an excellent job paying a special tribute to an extraordinary guy…Battalion Chief Billy Obenchain.

Continue reading… Chief Obenchain is Laid to Rest : RoanokeFire.com – Serving Roanoke’s Bravest Since 2005.