|
The duties we perform
as volunteer firefighters every time the alarm sounds are, by nature, hazardous and life threatening. We, as individuals
and as Station 63, are thankful to God for his grace and mercy that we all come home as safely as when we left. However,
sadly enough, this fire company has encountered a time when all did not return safely. We dedicate this site to the
memory of that fallen firefighter.
READE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, STATION
63 FIREFIGHTER
DAVID WENDELL BURRIS
1958-1977
On the
afternoon of January 31, 1977, the Reade Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to a flue fire. As the tanker was
responding, David attempted to board the slow moving truck, slipped, and was run over by the trucks rear wheels. David
was taken to the Altoona Hospital where he died from his injuries a short time later. To this day, David remains
the lone fallen firefighter from Station 63 to die while in the line of duty. His memory shall always remain sacred
amongst the firefighters of Reade Volunteer Fire Company, Station 63, Cambria County, PA.
We also
keep in memory all members of Station 63 that have passed from this life. From the death of the first charter members
to the most recent, we hold their lives and their contributions to this company in highest regard and esteem.
Brother when you weep for me
Remember
that it was meant to be
Lay me down and when you leave
Remember I'll be at your sleeve
In every dark and choking
hall
I'll be there as you slowly crawl
On every roof in driving snow
I'll hold your coat and you will know
In
cellars hot with searing heat
At windows where a gate you meet
In closets where young children hide
You know I'll
be there at your side
The house from which I now respond
Is overstaffed with heroes gone
Those who answered one
last bell
Did the job and did it well
As firefighters we understand
That death's a card dealt in our hand
A
card we hope we never play
But one we hold there anyway
That card is something we ignore
As we crawl across a weakened
floor
For we know that we're the only prayer
For anyone that might be there
So remember as you wipe your tears
The
joy I knew throughout the years
As I did the job I loved to do
I pray that thought will see you through.
-Author
Unknown
|
