NICOLE LOZARE
Firehouse.Com News
A volunteer firefighter drowned on Jan. 15 during a training exercise
with fellow department team members of the Search and Recovery Dive Team.
Firefighter Gary L. Bankert Sr., 37, of Roanoke-Wildwood Volunteer Fire
Department died of severe metabolic acidosis according to medical reports.
Two of Mr. Bankerts’ five children are junior firefighters with the
department.
He is
survived by his wife, Laurel Ann Bankert, and his children , James R.
Bankert, Gary L. Bankert Jr., Nicholas A. Bankert and daughter Karla L.
Bankert, foster son Michael B. Anderson. Parents Betty L. & Larry E.
Bankert Sr. reside in Pennsylvania. Sister and brothers, all from Pennsylvania,
include Donna McCauley, Barry Bankert, Terry Bankert, Ted Bankert and Larry
Bankert. He was preceded in death by his son, Scott C. Bankert.
A memorial service will be held in Warren County, NC on
Saturday, Jan. 29th at a local to be announced.
Funeral services will be held in Hanover, Penn. Saturday, Jan. 22 at
11:00am at St. Paul Dubs Church. Family and friends will be accepted at
Kenworthy Funeral Home in Hanover, Penn. Friday, Jan. 21 from
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
N.C. Diver Dies During Training Exercise