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Album: Company Pride |
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Album: Company Pride |
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On December 28, 2001, the West Reading Fire Department and the
Borough of West Reading lost one of our most valuable assets and
cherished friends. E. David Wenger, former Mayor, former Borough
Council President, and past President and Captain of the fire
department, succumbed after a long battle with cancer.
Even though he was officially retired, David continued making
valuable contributions of his service to the fire department and the
Borough right up to the end. He was given the full honors granted to
any active firefighter who has passed on.
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David's casket was to be carried on the hose bed of our Engine, a
tradition for honoring fallen firefighters. In order to do this, we
needed to remove the hose and dividers from the hose bed, as shown above. |
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As the last of the 5-inch hose comes off the Engine, the process of removing dividers and handrails begins. |
Finally, the entire hose bed is cleared and prepared to carry our friend David on his last ride on the Engine. |
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Our Truck and Squad are draped in black to participate in the funeral procession, and to carry the firefighters who are payig their last respects to their departed brother. |
Sinking Spring's ladder truck and Wyomissing's tower ladder form an arch, from which an American flag is draped and through which the funeral procession will pass. Our thanks go out to Sinking Spring and Wyomissing for helping us honor David this way. |
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Fire companies from other parts of Berks County, such as Lower Heidelberg (left) and Fritztown (right) were present to pay their respects as well. |
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