From Deseret News archives:

Utahn, 90 other fallen firefighters honored

Published: Monday, Oct. 8, 2007 12:32 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Sheldon Wimmer, BLM's Utah office fire management officer, Randy Hart, the assistant state fire management officer and Timothy Murphy, of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, stood as Spencer Koyle's name was called.

"It was a real loss to us," Wimmer said. "Not only was he a really great guy, but he was a trainer, a mentor, just a kingpin in our organizational structure."

Wimmer has been to five previous ceremonies for other firefighters killed and said in his experience he has found the event gives closure to family members.

"It gives finality to it," said Wimmer, who wore a black band around his badge in honor of those who died. He said after a year filled with first times the person is not there for various events, the ceremony is a good way to help the families move on.

Sunday's ceremony followed a Saturday night candlelight vigil and dinner for the families at which grief counselors were on hand to talk. Wimmer said many families bond with each other during the weekend and stay in touch afterward.

Those gathered for the ceremony were also able to see the "To Lift a Nation" monument created by Salt Lake City-based sculptor Stan Watts depicting three firefighters raising a flag at the site of the World Trade Center collapse after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City.

Story continues below
The 19-foot tall firefighters raising a real American flag made its way to Maryland last week. The monument will be dedicated on Nov. 5.


E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com

Recent comments

I really hope this kid has a good life and that everyone who has lost...

Alyssa | Oct. 8, 2007 at 12:19 p.m.

This is a very moving account of the memorial to our fallen heros....

Barb Broadfield | Oct. 8, 2007 at 9:20 a.m.

Image
Mandel Ngan, Getty Images

Turner Koyle, son of fallen Utah firefighter Spencer Koyle, gets a primo seat at memorial rite: President Bush's lap.

previousnext

Latest comments

so sorry to hear this terrible news..much sincer condolences to the her family.

Time for him to go. PAST time for him to go.

After reading many comments posted on several stories since the incident...

Hall reprimanded by MWC

Hey, I was at that Pres. Holland devotional, too. It was the year after the...

Sometimes when we loose we win, but not in this case. Want a future?...

First Meeting Utah, 12—4 (1896) Last Meeting BYU,...

Utahns growing tired of Bennett

I am!

Max Hall's only mistake was hating the sinner instead of the sin. He...

Kind of refreshing isn't it, Lee.

Philpot may run for Congress

I voted for Morgan for Vice Chair, and I think he would still be worth voting...

Advertisements