Lost a frind and fellow brothers today..

[Truckie]

I lost a friend and fellow brother that served here in the Pittsburgh Bureau Fire Early today in the city of Pittsburgh there was a 4 alarm fire at a 128 year old church, when the fire was under control and they reentered to douse hot spots one of the steeples collapsed tumbling down on them trapping them in the basement and injuring 29 other firefighters out side.

This is one of the worst incidents I have ever seen here in Pittsburgh. It was so bad that the Pennsylvania Urban rescue team was called in, along with Ross Westveiew search and rescue, and Greensburgh. all I can say is thank you for your efforts and time in a need of time like this.

My friends made the ultimate sacrifice today they gave all, as they were there serving and protecting and now they will rest in peace.

They are now serving on GOD's fire department. I know as firefighters,and volunteers were are delt a hand of cards and unfortunately one of them is the card of death, we hope we never play, and we can hold on to forever.

If you would like to read more on this incident go here. http://firehouse.com/

I ask that you please say a small prayer for my fallen comrades and there families, and a speedy recovery to the other injured.

:{ :{ :{

Thanks.

MIKE

 

[Ncostello]

Saw it on the news... made me very saddened. I've worked at several large ones like that. Its so difficult to comprehend the dangers involved during overhaul of large structures. My thoughts go out to your Fire Department and the family.

 

[big jake 1]

Truckie:



it made the news out here on the west coast as well, my condolensces to you and your extended family





big jake



THE FORD GUY

 

[Fireman Dave]

That's terrible, Mike. I was on the Firehouse website yesterday and saw it come across the FireTicker at the top of the page. I thought it was a typo when it said 29 injured. We're all thinking about you guys.



Dave

 

[Hummin Cummins]

I will pass this on to the boys at the 16 House. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your department.



Chris

Walker Township Fire Department

Engineer 16

 

[jgillott]

Mike.....



The members of my company send their sincere condolences. Please keep me updated on the arrangements and services. We may be sending a few representative and a unit to be part of the tribute.



Justin

President/Captain

BTVFCO

 

[QRTRHRS]

Mike, sorry to hear this. My condolenses and prayers go out to your friend, his family and those who knew him.

 

[Rosco]

Mike,



I am sure you have read this before but I will share it anyway. I will also say a prayer for our brothers and there familys tonight.



BROTHERS



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.

Men who answered one last bell,

Did the job and did it well.

As fireman 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



Ed

Barrington Firefighter I. A. F. F Local 1774

 

[Sageair]

Sorry to here of your loss. I'm not a fireman but I am a cop and I know how bad it hurts to lose a brother.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Dad and I offer our most sincere condolences.



Matt

Rick - retired from Gardner Fire Dept. - I. A. F. F. Local 2215

 

[Truckie]

jgillott: Here is all the info I have so far, if I get any more I will up date it here as I get it. This just came in from the city, and is also posted on (firehouse)

Visitation for Charles G. Brace is at the L. Beinhauer & Son Funeral Home at 2630 West Liberty Ave, Dormont, PA. 15216. Burial will be at the Queen of Heaven Cemetary.



Richard A. Stefanakis’ visitation is at the Kanai Funeral Home, 500 Greenfield Avenue, Pittsburgh. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetary.



Visitation for both firefighters is on Tuesday and Wednesday, 2-4 p. m. and 7-9 p. m.



The funeral mass is being held Thursday at noon for both Brace and Stefanakis at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 5th Avenue and Craig, Pittsburgh, PA.



A memorial fund is being set up and donations can be sent to the Pittsburgh Firefighters, I. A. F. F. Local #1:



Make checks payable to "Memorial Fund. "



Memorial Fund 500 Main Street P. O. Box 8468 Pittsburgh, PA 15220





Thanks to all who have posted and said a prayer. Every little bit helps.

The last few days have been hard, and every minute you get you sit there and think about it and all the memories and good times that you had. I conceder my self lucky having the chance to know these men and learn from them.

May there spirits and memories live long and guide us when we need them.



:{ :{

MIKE

 

[jgillott]

Thanks Mike..... I'll pass this information on to the other departments in the area.



Justin