FASCV Members Attend Van Wormer Funeral

   

Photo By John Whitaker

On Saturday morning, November 3, several members of Fire Associates attended the funeral of Cal Fire Battalion Chief, Rob Van Wormer. Several FASCV members worked with Rob in the Volunteers In Prevention (VIP) program at the Morgan Hill headquarters of the Santa Clara Unit (SCU). The 47-year-old battalion chief died unexpectedly on Saturday evening, Oct. 27, while on assignment in Santa Cruz, CA. He was in Santa Cruz working on an investigation when he lost consciousness and was rushed to a local hospital.

Because of an expected large turn out from family, friends and members of dozens of fire services throughout the state, the funeral was held at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. FASCV members known to be attending the service were Bruce Dembecki, Mike Chappell, John Whitaker and John Whiteside. Our Fire Support Unit 2 was brought to join with dozens of fire rigs in attendance to show their support for the family and respect for a fellow firefighter.

The casket was brought to the service atop the San Jose Fire Museum's 1931 Mack fire engine. Its use was requested by the family through Cal Fire and the San Jose Fire Department. The funeral procession left Oak Hill Cemetery, traveled down Monterey Rd. and then proceeded through a gauntlet of fire rigs before entering the HP Pavilion. It was quite a memorable sight as all the rigs had their Code 3 lights activated and the fire crews were standing in salute.

We join with others to extend our deepest condolences to Rob's family, friends and everyone at Cal Fire. RIP Chief Van Wormer.

• John Whitaker's photos from the funeral can be viewed at:  Rob Van Wormer

-- Report submitted by John Whitaker