Firefighters give final goodbyes to fallen comrade 

Huge crowd pays respects

EMMITSBURG - Terry Lee Myers was laid to rest Friday, February 19th, 1999 after paying the ultimate sacrifice. Firefighters from all over gathered to pay their respects.

Terry, a member of the Vigilant Hose Company, was operating a pump on an engine Monday at a brush fire when he collapsed of an apparent heart attack.

His untimely death left his comrades in shock, and news of the tragedy spread fast through the fire community. Neighboring fire and rescue personnel turned out immediately, staffing the company's equipment in Emmitsburg while fire company members dealt with their grief.

Just before 8 am Friday, Vigilant Hose Company Chief Frank Davis said, "Station 6 will be out of service". 

Fire and rescue apparatus draped with black were commonplace on Frederick County roads as personnel from as far away as Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts arrived to pay their respects.

As the casket bearing the first member of the Vigilant Hose Company to die in the line of duty was carried into the church, uniformed fire and rescue crews lined Seton Ave. in front of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. the brisk breeze whipped the U.S. and Maryland flags held by honor guards. 

"One of the best things you people in Maryland do is celebrate your heroes," said Richmond Fire Chief Jack K. McElfish.

An estimated 600-800 people turned out to honor Mr. Myers, known for his smile and jovial attitude. There was standing room only in the church, and the nearby parish hall was crowded while some stood outside listening to the service over loudspeakers.

"Firefighters, both volunteer and career, are very caring and dedicated individuals who spend many hours in service to their communities. Often times, this is at great personal sacrifice."

"This was the case with Terry, who made the supreme sacrifice on Monday when he gave his life serving the community that was near and dear to him," said Carrye B. Brown of the U.S. Fire Administration.

Ms. Brown said the men and women of the nation's fire service respond each time their neighbors call, knowing it could be their last alarm. She extended her sympathies to the family and community.

Delegate David Brinkley, R-Frederick, said there was a moment of silence for Mr. Myers in the House of Delegates on Tuesday. "The normal hustle and bustle of controlled chaos in the historic house chamber came to a halt. Yes, you could have heard a pin drop, a rarity, I might add, in a room filled with 141 politicians..."

Mr. Brinkley read a governor's citation honoring Mr. Myers' 33 years of dedicated service to the Emmitsburg community. He also mentioned excerpts from a House resolution submitted by the Frederick County delegation to recognize Mr. Myers' sacrifice.

"These are mere words, and this is but a piece of paper that helps little with your loss, anger and bewilderment. But, these words are expressed with the highest amount of respect and with supreme appreciation for all Terry Myers did, and for what you all do," he said.

Mr. Brinkley, also thanked the members of the fire and rescue service for their dedication. "Many times we take you for granted," he said. "But we will never forget, and we pray for your safe return every time the alarm sounds."

Vigilant members saluted as their fire engine bearing Mr. Myers' flag-draped coffin passed under a huge U.S. flag in front of the station on Main Street.

Fire and Rescue apparatus were positioned at every intersection and crossover on U.S. 15 between Emmitsburg and Resthaven Memorial Gardens cemetery.

The funeral procession was several miles long, and an aerial observer said when the first unit approached the cemetery, the end of the line was back past Angleberger Road. 

The final roll was called at the gravesite, and the deputy chief said all had answered but Terry Myers. The bell was rung signaling his last alarm, followed by the distant wail of fire sirens.

The distinct sound of the approaching state police helicopter had people turning their heads. It slowed and dipped slightly, a salute to a fallen comrade.