WOOD RIVER -- Leading more than 125 emergency vehicles in a procession to the Wood River Cemetery on Thursday, Capts. Robert Heminger and Kenny Woitalewicz took one final ride on Wood River Engine No. 30.
Firefighters, emergency medical technicians and law enforcement officers from across the state and beyond convened on the town of 1,200 people to show their respect to the two men who gave their lives in an attempt to save another.
A roof collapsed on Heminger and Woitalewicz early Saturday morning at a house fire in Wood River. They were performing a search and rescue for 73-year-old Anna M. Carrig of 211 W. 12th St. when the accident occurred.
Carrig was pronounced dead at the scene. Heminger died on Sunday at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island as a result of his injuries, and Woitalewicz lost his battle on Tuesday at St. Francis.
More than 1,800 people filled the Wood River Rural High School gym for Thursday's combined funeral service for the two volunteer firefighters. Even more people were seated in the school's commons area and at a community building nearby, where the service was telecast on a large screen.
As bagpipes played, Wood River firefighters accompanied the flag-draped coffins to the west end of the gym. Uniformed guards were posted at each end of the coffins, which sat in front of Heminger's and Woitalewicz's wives and children.
Heminger is survived by his wife, Eva, a son, Jonathan, and a daughter, Lindsay. Woitalewicz is survived by his wife, Melissa, and two sons, Matthew and Ryan.
"If we had the love in the world that we have here now," the Rev. Tom Ryan said as he looked out into the crowded gymnasium, "we wouldn't have war."
Uniformed firefighters, emergency medical technicians and law enforcement officers came from nearby communities such as Dannebrog, Cairo and St. Paul. Others in Nebraska uniforms came from as far away as Plattsmouth, Omaha and McCook.
"It seems the hardest thing in life is to lose somebody you dearly love," the Rev. Karen Kennerly said as she spoke to the families. "Nobody should have to endure the losses you're experiencing."
Kennerly said she asked Heminger's children what they would say to him if given the chance. Their answer was, "I miss you and miss your teasing and playing and jokes."
Heminger was described as a man who had a good sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his children. He taught his son, Jonathan, about hunting and gun safety and this fall took Jonathan to bag his first pheasant.
Woitalewicz was known throughout the community for his smile and the way he would honk and wave at people as he drove through town. Kennerly said he enjoyed playing practical jokes and was a master craftsman.
Reflecting on Saturday's accident that claimed the lives of 39-year-old Heminger and 38-year-old Woitalewicz, the Rev. James Janovec said, "They put themselves in harm's way in a very courageous and heroic act on Valentine's Day."
Janovec said that, according to Heminger's father, Dewey, the two men did the right thing by going into the burning home and would have been the first to do it again.
"What they did will not be forgotten by you or by us," Janovec said as he addressed the family.
He said Heminger and Woitalewicz will be remembered by God for laying down their lives for another.
As the musical group Wheel of Faith performed "Wind Beneath My Wings," Woitalewicz's wife, Melissa, held her 4-year-old son, Ryan, in her lap. She hugged him and kissed him while shedding tears for her husband and his fallen comrade, who was often at his side.
At the conclusion of the service, Woitalewicz's and Heminger's children were presented with plaques by tearful Wood River firefighters. They hugged each one of the children tightly and returned to their seats in silence.
In addition to paying tribute to the two fallen firefighters, those who attended Thursday's service were asked to remember Carrig and to pray for her husband, Ray, who escaped the fire uninjured.
They were also reminded by Kennerly that, "All of us need to be neighbors to each other and help each other no matter what the circumstances."
Following the graveside services at the Wood River Cemetery, emergency vehicles from across the state drove by the Wood River fire hall as a tribute to the department, which was established in 1908.
Related:
- Firefighters, EMTs From Across Nebraska Solemnly Gather
- Not Just A Friend, But Family
- Second Nebraska Firefighter Dies from Injuries
- Nebraska Blaze Rescue Attempt Leaves Firefighter Dead
- Wood River Fire Department - Firehouse.com Profile
- Wood River Fire Department - Official Home Page
- Firefighter, Woman Die In House Fire
- Firefighters Lay to Rest Former Nebraska Chief
