Courtesy WTWO Channel 2, Wabash Valley
Major changes are now in place for the funeral of a fallen Terre Haute firefighter. 50-year old fire Captain Ralph Stott died in the line of duty early Monday morning, and the news of his death has struck a cord in the area and not just locally, but across the Midwest.
An example of how the news has spread came in the form of a phone call to our newsroom from the fire department in Dayton, Ohio. And because several departments from outside the area said they would be in attendance for Captain Stott`s Funeral, it will be moved to a place that`s used to hosting large events.
As the city continues to mourn the loss of Captain Stott, the fire department has been contacted by departments as large as Chicago and as small as Oblong, Illinois. Because of that, the funeral has now been moved to Hulman Center.
Capt. Darrick Scott - Terre Haute Fire Dept.
"There`s really no way of knowing how many will be here, all I can tell you from the response that we`ve received so far, there`s no way where we had it before could handle it."
Visitation services are still planned at the north Mattox Funeral Home, but Thursday`s visitation will take place at the Hulman Center. Services will begin at 11:00am, and the public is invited. After the services, the public is encouraged to line the memorial walk procession, which starts at the Hulman Center, proceeds down, south on 8th street, before proceeding east on Wabash Avenue before ending at 13th and Wabash. Fire stations will be manned by volunteer units from Vigo County.
Capt. Darrick Scott - Terre Haute Fire Dept.
"I can`t stress enough the brotherhood the men found throughout the state and throughout the nation and even our own county."
As for Stott`s family, there are some benefits available.
Capt. Darrick Scott - Terre Haute Fire Dept.
"The state of Indiana has already contacting us, telling us what we need to do, where we need to go to get the family help, and they will be taken care of."
That includes a state benefit totaling $150,000. Stott`s family will also receive pension benefits from his local plan, and that`s paid to the surviving spouse. The investigation at the scene continues today, but investigators say no information will be released today. Meanwhile, firefighters continue to be taken back by how residents have reacted.
Capt. Darrick Scott - Terre Haute Fire Dept.
"The community is unbelievable. A lot of the firehouses are getting food and flowers. Captain Stott`s firehouse has been inundated with flowers."
The Terre Haute Fire Department wants to stress both the funeral and burial are open to the public. And if you can only be at the memorial walk down Wabash Avenue, then that`s appreciated as well. Begin lining up at noon. Again, the funeral is Thursday at 11:00am at the Hulman Center. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. With classes still going on at ISU, parking is sure to be an issue. Because of that, the fire department asks anyone attending the funeral to please be understanding and park downtown, preferably at the city parking garage.
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Indiana Firefighter Funeral Moved to Larger Site