THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 24, 1996 TAG: 9603220220
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
LENGTH: Long : 182 lines
Across the city, flags flew at half mast. Flowers piled up outside fire stations.
Firefighters went about their duties, but sadly. Civilians searched their souls for ways to show support for the men and women who protect lives, and sometimes make the ultimate sacrifice doing it.
Chesapeake firefighters Frank Young and John Hudgins Jr. were laid to rest this week. They died battling a blaze in an auto parts store.
They ``gave their last alarms,'' as firefighters say about colleagues killed on the job.
The deaths came as a shock to a city that hasn't experienced such a tragedy in 20 years.
But Chesapeake residents weren't alone in their grief.
All over Hampton Roads, citizens expressed their sympathy for the families, friends and co-workers of the two fallen men.
``The community has opened its heart and its pocketbook,'' said Jeannette S. Dunn, an associate in the Chesapeake fire chief's office, who fielded calls about the memorial fund that was set up to help the men's families.
Meanwhile, firefighters from around Virginia and the nation flocked to Chesapeake for the funerals, held Friday and Saturday.
George A. Burke, spokesman for the Washington, D.C.-based International Association of Fire Fighters, said firefighters everywhere mourn when one of their own dies.
``It's one big very, very close-knit family,'' Burke said. ``. . . tied together by the knowledge that on any given day, the very next alarm they respond to could be their last.'' HUDGINS EULOGY: NO SACRIFICE TOO GREAT FOR HIM, FIRE CHIEF SAYS
Chief Michael L. Bolac of the Chesapeake Fire Department made the following remarks Saturday at the funeral for Firefighter John R. Hudgins Jr. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chesapeake.
In the line of duty, Firefighter Specialist John R. Hudgins Jr. has given his life for a cause he believed in.
To him, being a firefighter was a high calling, and he felt no sacrifice was too great to save life and property.
As a 10-year veteran, he had responded to all types of emergencies and did so on March 18.
As the acting officer on Engine 3, John was dispatched to a reported electrical fire in an auto parts store. Upon arrival, he and fellow Firefighter Frank Young entered the building to investigate the emergency.
After smoke was found in the rear of the building, Firefighters Hudgins and Young pulled an attack line and began fire suppression operations.
Without warning, the roof of the structure collapsed on John and Frank.
In spite of heroic rescue efforts, Firefighters Hudgins and Young perished.
All members of the Chesapeake Fire Department offer our deepest sympathy to John's wife, Allison, and son, Jonathan, and the entire Hudgins family.
We share your sorrow and stand beside you.
John exemplified all the best qualities of the fire department. He believe in them. He lived them.
He had earned the following citations:
A commendation for outstanding performance in a store fire in December 1990;
A commendation for lifesaving in May 1991;
A commendation for lifesaving in August 1993;
A commendation for assisting with a Virginia Beach fire in December 1993.
I would like to share the words from one of John's former supervisors:
``When I think about Johnny, the first thing I remember is his smile. He loved to laugh. He had one of the quickest smiles I have ever seen. He loved a good joke, and he loved to tease with the other firefighters.
``John was the type of firefighter that every officer wanted and every other firefighter wanted backing him up. He loved to fight fire.''
Each time we answer another call for help, we will remember and honor John's sacrifice.
I am sure that John never considered himself a hero. When called to serve others and in spite of personal risk, he always performed to the fullest of his human potential.
John shall always be remembered as a hero.
Firefighter John R. Hudgins Jr. will always live in our department and in our hearts. YOUNG EULOGY: LIFE DEDICATED TO FIRE SERVICE
Chief Michael L. Bolac of the Chesapeake Fire Department made the following remarks at the funeral for Firefighter Frank E. Young Friday at Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Chesapeake.
We gather here to say farewell to our friend and fellow firefighter, Frank Young.
Frank served the Chesapeake Fire Department faithfully for 15 years. He was a veteran firefighter who had responded to hundreds of fires and other emergencies.
On March 18, Firefighter Young was assigned to Engine 3 and, along with Firefighters Myers and Hudgins, responded to a reported electrical fire in an auto parts store.
Without hesitation, Frank and fellow firefighter, John Hudgins, entered the building to protect life and property, while Firefighter Myers pumped the engine.
During the operation, and without warning, the roof of the structure collapsed on Frank and his fellow firefighter, John Hudgins.
In spite of heroic efforts by other firefighters to locate and save them, Firefighter Young and Firefighter Hudgins perished.
All members of the Chesapeake Fire Department share the sorrow and offer our deepest sympathy to Frank's son, Steve, his daughter, Heather, and the entire Young family.
You are not alone - the entire fire service community stands with you at this moment.
Frank dedicated his life to this fire department and to the fire service.
He had earned the following citations:
A Star Performer Award in 1990;
A commendation for lifesaving in 1992;
A commendation for lifesaving in 1993;
Commendations for outstanding service in 1995 and 1996.
As a vacation, Frank would travel to another fire department and ride the fire equipment and take pictures of firefighters in action. Calling Frank a ``fire buff'' is an understatement.
Another time he came into our office and asked to borrow a fire engine. He was proud of his department and our fire equipment and wanted to take the engine to a spe-cial event. Given his enthusiasm and dedication, we granted his request.
The work of the fire department was all-important to Frank. To Frank, this was no ordinary job. It was a way of life. He saw what had to be done and he did it, even though it meant risking his life.
His courage, character and dedication set the standard for all other firefighters to follow.
We meet here with great sorrow and pride. People like Firefighter Young remind us all of the dangers and joys that are ours as fire-fighters.
Firefighter Frank E. Young will not be forgotten. We will always remember his commitment and courage.
He will always live in our department and in our hearts. MEMO: HOW TO SHOW YOU CARE
A memorial fund has been established for the families of the two
fallen firefighters. Checks payable to the Chesapeake Fire Department
(Memorial Fund) can be dropped off at any area Advance Auto Parts store
or any Chesapeake 7-Eleven store. Or you can mail checks to NationsBank,
P.O. Box 13401, Chesapeake, Va., 23325-0401.
Local television and radio stations will observe a moment of silence
at noon on Monday in remembrance of Frank E. Young and John Hudgins Jr.
Citizens are asked to observe the moment privately.
A PRAYER FOR FIREFIGHTERS\ When I am called to duty, God,
Wherever flames may rage,
Give me strength to save some life
Whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout
And quickly and effectively
To put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
And to give the best in me
To guard my every neighbor
And protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I have to lose my life
Please bless with your protecting hand
My children and my wife.
Amen.
A fireman's prayer hanging on the wall of Chesapeake Fire Department
Company No. 3, where Frank Young and John Hudgins were assigned. ILLUSTRATION: Photos on cover
Frank E. Young
John R. Hudgins Jr.
Staff photos by MORT FRYMAN
Firefighters Jeff RaBeau and Jamie Osborne read a note attached to a
stuffed rabbit left at Fire Station No. 3.
Walter Chandler places a wreath near the flagpole at Fire Station
No. 3. Chandler, a one-time volunteer at the station, knew both
firefighters.
by CNB