Wilson, N.Y.-- "John was one of these individuals that I wish I could have 50 of. John was one of those individuals that had this fire company at heart. He had emergency services at heart." said fire Chief Gary Darnell.
The Wilson Fire Department is mourning the loss of a hero they say you'd want on your side. A firefighter killed in the line of duty just after a training exercise.
"The fire personnel had gone up to a location and worked on a car and they were working on auto extrication. They were just practicing their skill. Nothing strenuous just a simple practice night." said Darnell.
Two hours later Chief Gary Darnell had to respond to the emergency call. "Devastating, and a lot of disbelief. I couldn't believe I was responding to one of my own. Tough." said Darnell.
A difficult time for a fire department that has buried 6 of it's former firefighters and chiefs just this year. "I told em that we need to keep moving forward. Even though were dealing with the loss we're still in business here and we need to move forward and John would want us to continue doing that. He was that type of individual." said Gary Darnell.
As of yet there is no official cause of death for firefighter John Beyer. Autopsy results are expected this week. Beyer was also a full time employee with Rural Metro. Chief Darnell says Beyer dedicated his life to emergency service.
Funeral services will be held for John Beyer on Thursday, September 28th at Saint Martin's of Tours Church in Buffalo.
Republished with permission of WKBW-TV.
