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Friday, April 08, 2011

Remembering Butler Firefighters ~

On April 8, 2001 Scott Wilson [left] and Anthony Murdick [below], both 25, died while attempting to recover the body of kayaker Neil Balcer, 23, from the Slippery Rock Creek near McConnell's Mill. We have not forgotten these dedicated men.

More that 500 fire departments sent firefighters and trucks to participate in the funeral procession. They came from as far away as Texas.
Photos: Unionville VFD

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'd left Butler by the time this tragedy occurred, but I remember reading about it. The hard thing to handle with regard to civilian uniformed services is that it's a shame someone should die simply by going to work.

Anonymous said...

The staggering part of this tragedy is that these two men died so needlessly. Mr. Balcer, the victim, was clearly dead; he'd been underwater at least 45 minutes by the time the firefighters entered Slippery Rock Creek. So pointless...

Anonymous said...

It was their duty to retrieve the body. Not so pointless. It was tragic that they had to die doing it.

Anonymous said...

I hope the wives of these men get to see this tribute.

Fleeg said...

"Not without my brother..." To those who've served, this phrase has but one meaning. Thanks guys.

Anonymous said...

Knew Tony Murdick all through high school and homeroom. RIP Tony.