WHEELING, W.Va. – Firefighters, family, and members of the community gathered Tuesday morning for a remembrance ceremony at Wheeling’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial.
Wheeling Firefighters Local 12 holds this solemn event annually on Oct. 29 to mark the line-of-duty death of Assistant Chief Robert Foster. This year marks the 33rd anniversary of Foster’s death on Oct. 29, 1991. Foster’s badge number 4 was retired and appears on a plaque on the left side of the memorial.
Tuesday’s service included an invocation, a reading of the names of the nine fallen Wheeling firefighters, and a bell-ringing ceremony.
The Wheeling Fire Department also retired badge number 11 “to honor those who have suffered presumptive line of duty deaths due to cancer,” as explained on the memorial.
Firefighters emphasized the importance of recognizing line of duty illnesses including cancer and mental health issues such as PTSD. Speakers noted that more occupational illnesses are being recognized for firefighters.
The department is also mourning the loss of 26-year-old firefighter Seth Burek who died from cancer on Oct. 3.
The ceremony ended with firefighters ringing a bell to mark the alarm sounding when firefighters are called out to serve and put their lives in jeopardy to save others, and also when the alarm is sounded on their return to quarters.
