Memorial service set for fallen Pa. firefighter

Keith Hess, 22, of Shippensburg, Pa., died fighting an apartment fire Monday in Blairs Mills, Pa.

January 23, 2003

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - Funeral and memorial services for firefighter Keith Hess have been scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

Hess, 22, a volunteer firefighter with Shippensburg's West End Fire and Rescue Co., and a paid emergency medical technician with the Fannett-Metal Fire Department, was killed Monday when the chimney of a house in which he was fighting a fire in Blairs Mills, Pa., collapsed and trapped him, according to fire officials.

Visiting fire department and emergency services personnel may pay their respects Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home at 122 W. King St. in Shippensburg.

After 6 p.m., the family suggests that personnel from West End and Fannett-Metal fire departments, community, friends and relatives greet the family.

The family has requested that visitors not bring fire or emergency apparatus to the funeral home, according to a news release from the Franklin County Department of Emergency Services.

On Saturday, a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at Shippensburg Area Senior High School.

All emergency services vehicles should report to the school between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to check in at the intersection of Eberly Drive and Baker & Russell Drive, according to the news release.

Apparatus in the line-of-march should be limited to one unit per department.

Following the service, all emergency services personnel will be excused to return to their apparatus. Personnel are to form an honor guard with their apparatus and personnel, providing appropriate hand salute as the procession passes.

At the end of the family procession, apparatus will be directed to join the procession.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Keith Hess Memorial Fund, West End Fire and Rescue Co., 49 Lurgan Ave., Shippensburg, PA 17257.

Hess lived in Shippensburg and joined the West End Fire and Rescue Co. at 14 as a junior member.

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