Post by eng451 on Oct 2, 2009 7:50:28 GMT -5
Md. Firefighters Mourn Slain Junior Member
BY SUSAN NICOL KYLE
Firehouse.com News
MOUNT AIRY, Md. -- Fire and rescue personnel in this community are mourning the tragic loss of a young man whom many considered would be an integral part of the department's future.
Charlie Dalton, 14, along with his mother and sister were shot and killed by his father, who then turned the gun on himself.
Maryland State Police, who ruled the incident a murder-suicide, are investigating to see if financial problems may have been behind the tragedy.
The bodies were discovered last Friday night in their Frederick County home outside Mount Airy. The family beagle was found dead as well in his crate just inside the front door.
Fellow personnel from Mount Airy responded to the call at the home after the discovery last week. Only a medic went inside to confirm the family was deceased.
Within moments, members knew they had lost one of their own. And, fire officials put out the call for help from critical incident stress counselors, said Doug Alexander, fire company PIO.
"We contacted all the junior members and their parents. We had a meeting that night with all of them," he said, adding that a handful of regular members also have been involved with the sessions.
Alexander added that there has been an overwhelming amount of support from the fire/rescue community.
Charlie, a high school freshman who played on the football team, was friends with everyone, and helped with details and fund-raising events.
And, he didn't just join to hang out with his friends. He was there to learn. Last year, received the award for the most training by a junior member.
"He was a very polite, well-mannered guy with a great deal of enthusiasm for training," Alexander said, adding that he joined a little over two years ago. Members appreciated the fact that Charlie gave it his all, and strove to do his best.
"Charlie was just a guy you liked having around because he was never a problem. He did what was asked of him without complaint, and seemed to be positive about whatever he did..."
Alexander added that no one ever saw anything that would indicate that there were problems at home.
He added that the department would be blessed to have more young people like him.
The fire station is draped in black bunting. "It's a sad time for us..."
A firefighter memorial service will be held at Stauffer Funeral Home in Mount Airy at 7 p.m. Friday.
BY SUSAN NICOL KYLE
Firehouse.com News
MOUNT AIRY, Md. -- Fire and rescue personnel in this community are mourning the tragic loss of a young man whom many considered would be an integral part of the department's future.
Charlie Dalton, 14, along with his mother and sister were shot and killed by his father, who then turned the gun on himself.
Maryland State Police, who ruled the incident a murder-suicide, are investigating to see if financial problems may have been behind the tragedy.
The bodies were discovered last Friday night in their Frederick County home outside Mount Airy. The family beagle was found dead as well in his crate just inside the front door.
Fellow personnel from Mount Airy responded to the call at the home after the discovery last week. Only a medic went inside to confirm the family was deceased.
Within moments, members knew they had lost one of their own. And, fire officials put out the call for help from critical incident stress counselors, said Doug Alexander, fire company PIO.
"We contacted all the junior members and their parents. We had a meeting that night with all of them," he said, adding that a handful of regular members also have been involved with the sessions.
Alexander added that there has been an overwhelming amount of support from the fire/rescue community.
Charlie, a high school freshman who played on the football team, was friends with everyone, and helped with details and fund-raising events.
And, he didn't just join to hang out with his friends. He was there to learn. Last year, received the award for the most training by a junior member.
"He was a very polite, well-mannered guy with a great deal of enthusiasm for training," Alexander said, adding that he joined a little over two years ago. Members appreciated the fact that Charlie gave it his all, and strove to do his best.
"Charlie was just a guy you liked having around because he was never a problem. He did what was asked of him without complaint, and seemed to be positive about whatever he did..."
Alexander added that no one ever saw anything that would indicate that there were problems at home.
He added that the department would be blessed to have more young people like him.
The fire station is draped in black bunting. "It's a sad time for us..."
A firefighter memorial service will be held at Stauffer Funeral Home in Mount Airy at 7 p.m. Friday.