Firefighters in Webster, New York were shocked and saddened Saturday when a 28-year veteran of the department passed away several days after an apparent heart attack, shortly before his scheduled discharge from the hospital.
William Bostian, 62, joined the West Webster Fire Department in Webster, New York in 1977, and most recently served as Vice President and as Lieutenant of the fire police.
Chief Mark Cholach said Bostian was stricken on Tuesday, after directing traffic during several fire and heat-related EMS calls.
"He had been running calls all day, and then he was going to be presiding over the department meeting that evening," Cholach said. "He was at the firehouse when he began to not feel well. Our fire department paramedics took him to the hospital, and he went into cardiac arrest, where he was revived, and was actually supposed to be discharged yesterday."
"We're having a hard time coming to grips with it right now," the chief said.
Bostian is survived by four children and four grandchildren. He is pre-deceased by his wife Linda.
Cholach said Bostian's life revolved around the emergency services, and that he was also Vice-President of the Monroe County Volunteer Firemen's Association and a member of the Webster police auxiliary.
"It's just such a terrible loss that I can't even bring it to words," Cholach said. "He was always there for everybody and always had everybody's back."
This is the fire department's second line-of-duty death. Their first occurred in 1986 as a result of a traffic accident, the chief said. The department operates out of three fire stations to protect over 10,000 homes and over 500 businesses.
Funeral Arrangements: Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2005, at 7 - 9 p.m. and Wednesday, August 10, 2005, at 2 - 4 p.m., and 7 - 9 p.m. at the Scotts Funeral Home, South Avenue, Webster, New York. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 11, 2005, at 10 a.m. at the Webster Assembly of God, 708 Hard Road, Webster, New York.
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