3 days ago
REMEMBERING ONE OF THEIR OWN: Volunteer, wildland firefighters turn out in force to remember Chief David Warfel
HALIFAX, Pa. (WHTM) — Firefighters from across the area came together Friday to pay last respects to a chief who lived life fighting fires and serving his community.
David Warfel died last week at a wildland fire training academy in Cumberland County.
A longtime firefighter in the Halifax and Powells Valley area, he was most recently chief at the Carsonville Fire Company in upper Dauphin County. His company remembered him as 'always a cheerful, musical, funny guy.'
He was also Forest District Maintenance Supervisor at the Weiser State Forest, working for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in the Bureau of Forestry.
The Bureau of Forestry, which houses DCNR's wildland firefighting outfit, came out in force to remember one of their own as dozens of their white and green wildland fire trucks joined in a procession at Halifax High School.
At Riverview Memorial Gardens, aerial apparatus from Lykens and Millersburg draped a flag over a ladder archway under which the procession passed.
'Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dave was a cherished colleague and friend,' DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said shortly after his passing. 'His camaraderie, integrity, and kindness enriched the lives of all who had the privilege to work alongside him. The entire DCNR family mourns this tremendous loss and extends heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.'
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Governor Josh Shapiro ordered flags to fly at half staff Tuesday through sunset Thursday evening in his honor.
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