Republican, The (Springfield, MA) - Monday, August 3, 2009
Glen R. Walz: Westfield firefighter killed in crash
HUNTINGTON - a 12-year firefighter was killed when his motorcycle collided with a car Saturday night.
Glen R. Walz, 39, of Westfield, died at the scene. The driver of the car was taken to Cooley Dickinson Hospital by ambulance with injuries which are not life-threatening. Her name was not released.
"He was one of the good guys," said Westfield Fire Chief William E. Phelon. "He was well respected."
Walz joined the department a dozen years ago and was recently promoted to become chief mechanic, assigned to care for all the fire engines and other apparatus, Phelon said.
He spent six years serving in the U.S. Army and learned to be a mechanic fixing Army helicopters. Recently he was working with the department's mechanic and had earned his certification to work on emergency vehicles, Phelon said.
Walz grew up in Westfield and was married to Dawn (Fyhr) Walz. He leaves two sons, a 19 year old and a 17 year old who is a high school student, Phelon said.
The accident happened at about 7:30 p.m. on a curve on a remote section of County Road near house number 43. Walz was driving a 1971 Triumph motorcycle west and the woman was heading west driving a Geo Tracker, said Huntington Police Chief Robert F. Garriepy.
The Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section is assisting Huntington police officer Michael A. Girard in investigating the cause of the accident.
"We are looking for the reason for the collision, "Garriepy said,"
Girard, the lead investigator, has been interviewing witnesses who were in the vicinity of the accident and has also been canvassing the area to talk to people who may have seen the crash, Garriepy said. Westfield firefighters were devastated to learn one of their own had died. They are discussing ways to honor his memory, Phelon said.
Huntington officers also knew Walz since he worked on the Westfield ambulance and occasionally assisted when the town needed help, Garriepy said.
In fact, they had initially called Westfield ambulance to assist in handling the accident but cancelled the call when they realized Walz was a victim.
"It is a tragedy. I can say Glen was a great guy," Garriepy said.
**************************************************************************************
Republican, The (Springfield, MA) - Wednesday, August 5, 2009
WESTFIELD - Glen R. Walz, 39, of Granville Road, passed Saturday, August 1, 2009. Glen was born in Holyoke on February 9, 1970. He was the son of the late Barbara F. (Bissonnette) Walz-Baillargeon of West Springfield, MA and Randy L. Walz, Sr. and his wife Karen of Wallingford, CT. Glen was a 1989 graduate of Westfield High School. He then went on to proudly serve his country as Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. While in the Army, he was assigned the title of Maintenance Supervisor, responsible for the flight readiness of Army helicopters. He was a Gulf War Veteran in the 10th Mt. Division. He served tours in Haiti, Somalia and South Korea and was a member of the American Legion Post 124 as well as a member of the Westfield Firefighters Association Local 1111. Upon being honorable discharged for his 8 years served in the Army, Glen was hired as a firefighter for the Westfield Fire Department on August 8, 1997. He graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy with Honors. Glen was a devoted firefighter for the Westfield Fire Department for the past 12 years. He was extremely dedicated, motivated and an inspirational firefighter. He was instrumental in recreating the Westfield Fire Patch and the reassignment of number badges. He was founder and commander of the Fire Department Honor Guard. Members of the community would feel a sense of great pride to see and hear Glen calling cadence whenever the Fire Department marched in parades or other special events. His passion was upholding traditions assisted in keeping the 1957 Hook & Ladder in Westfield for the local Children's museum, and helped in the repair and upkeep of the 1930 Seagrave Pumper. Glen was an individual who was always one of the first to offer his assistance and expertise where ever it was needed. He made himself readily available and provided coverage for various Fire Departments in Worcester for 6 firefighters who lost their lives battling a warehouse fire. Glen was highly respected and decorated member of the Fire Department. In 2004 he received Firefighter of the Year Award from the Governor's Office. He was the Department's "go-to" guy for so many day to day fire house duties and was consistently one who was looking for ways to make those duties more effective and efficient, one who always helped anyone in need no matter what the situation or circumstance. In June of 2009, Glen was appointed Chief Mechanic for the Fire Department. The skills and level of dedication he brought to this position will be hard to replace. Glen frequently and proudly spoke of the "Brotherhood" and always considered them to be an important part of his family. His presence will certainly be missed by his "brothers & sisters" and the community. Additionally Glen worked part-time as a Turbine Engine Mechanic for Wood Group Pratt & Whitney for the past 7 years. While Glen didn't have much free time, he volunteered his time as a Westfield Youth Football Coach, and coaching Westfield Youth Wrestling for the local Boys & Girls Club. From a very young age, Glen thoroughly enjoyed restoring classic cars, motorcycles, bicycles and just about anything he could repair and bring back to life. Of all Glens' accomplishments he was most proud of the outstanding young men his two sons have become. Their individuality, strength and willingness to please are a true reflection of what made Glen such a great man. Glen loved and was loved by his entire family. He was a devoted and caring provider. He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 19 years, Dawn Marie (Fyhr) Walz, his sons Darren Robert Walz, 18 and Justin Aron Walz 17. He also leaves his brothers Randy Walz, Jr. and wife Dawn Walz, Eric Walz, Jeremy Walz & Matthew Walz, his father & mother-in-law, Robert & Nancy Fyhr, his brother & sister-in-law Darren & Sherry Yvon and his nephews Jack & Jake Yvon and Devon Walz & lastly, his brothers and sisters from the fire departments across the State. A memorial fund for the benefit of Glen's family has been established by the Westfield Fire Department. Contributions can be sent to the United Cooperative Bank, 10 Elm Street, Westfield, MA care of the Westfield Firefighters Assistance Fund. The funeral for Glen will take place on Friday, August 7th at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 30 Bartlett Street, Westfield. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA. Calling hours will be held on Thursday for 4-8 pm at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. Firtionadams.com
(His biological mother's entire side of the family was left out of his obit. He was my nephew and Godson. Annmarie J. (Bissonnette) Christian)
Glen R. Walz: Westfield firefighter killed in crash
HUNTINGTON - a 12-year firefighter was killed when his motorcycle collided with a car Saturday night.
Glen R. Walz, 39, of Westfield, died at the scene. The driver of the car was taken to Cooley Dickinson Hospital by ambulance with injuries which are not life-threatening. Her name was not released.
"He was one of the good guys," said Westfield Fire Chief William E. Phelon. "He was well respected."
Walz joined the department a dozen years ago and was recently promoted to become chief mechanic, assigned to care for all the fire engines and other apparatus, Phelon said.
He spent six years serving in the U.S. Army and learned to be a mechanic fixing Army helicopters. Recently he was working with the department's mechanic and had earned his certification to work on emergency vehicles, Phelon said.
Walz grew up in Westfield and was married to Dawn (Fyhr) Walz. He leaves two sons, a 19 year old and a 17 year old who is a high school student, Phelon said.
The accident happened at about 7:30 p.m. on a curve on a remote section of County Road near house number 43. Walz was driving a 1971 Triumph motorcycle west and the woman was heading west driving a Geo Tracker, said Huntington Police Chief Robert F. Garriepy.
The Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section is assisting Huntington police officer Michael A. Girard in investigating the cause of the accident.
"We are looking for the reason for the collision, "Garriepy said,"
Girard, the lead investigator, has been interviewing witnesses who were in the vicinity of the accident and has also been canvassing the area to talk to people who may have seen the crash, Garriepy said. Westfield firefighters were devastated to learn one of their own had died. They are discussing ways to honor his memory, Phelon said.
Huntington officers also knew Walz since he worked on the Westfield ambulance and occasionally assisted when the town needed help, Garriepy said.
In fact, they had initially called Westfield ambulance to assist in handling the accident but cancelled the call when they realized Walz was a victim.
"It is a tragedy. I can say Glen was a great guy," Garriepy said.
**************************************************************************************
Republican, The (Springfield, MA) - Wednesday, August 5, 2009
WESTFIELD - Glen R. Walz, 39, of Granville Road, passed Saturday, August 1, 2009. Glen was born in Holyoke on February 9, 1970. He was the son of the late Barbara F. (Bissonnette) Walz-Baillargeon of West Springfield, MA and Randy L. Walz, Sr. and his wife Karen of Wallingford, CT. Glen was a 1989 graduate of Westfield High School. He then went on to proudly serve his country as Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. While in the Army, he was assigned the title of Maintenance Supervisor, responsible for the flight readiness of Army helicopters. He was a Gulf War Veteran in the 10th Mt. Division. He served tours in Haiti, Somalia and South Korea and was a member of the American Legion Post 124 as well as a member of the Westfield Firefighters Association Local 1111. Upon being honorable discharged for his 8 years served in the Army, Glen was hired as a firefighter for the Westfield Fire Department on August 8, 1997. He graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy with Honors. Glen was a devoted firefighter for the Westfield Fire Department for the past 12 years. He was extremely dedicated, motivated and an inspirational firefighter. He was instrumental in recreating the Westfield Fire Patch and the reassignment of number badges. He was founder and commander of the Fire Department Honor Guard. Members of the community would feel a sense of great pride to see and hear Glen calling cadence whenever the Fire Department marched in parades or other special events. His passion was upholding traditions assisted in keeping the 1957 Hook & Ladder in Westfield for the local Children's museum, and helped in the repair and upkeep of the 1930 Seagrave Pumper. Glen was an individual who was always one of the first to offer his assistance and expertise where ever it was needed. He made himself readily available and provided coverage for various Fire Departments in Worcester for 6 firefighters who lost their lives battling a warehouse fire. Glen was highly respected and decorated member of the Fire Department. In 2004 he received Firefighter of the Year Award from the Governor's Office. He was the Department's "go-to" guy for so many day to day fire house duties and was consistently one who was looking for ways to make those duties more effective and efficient, one who always helped anyone in need no matter what the situation or circumstance. In June of 2009, Glen was appointed Chief Mechanic for the Fire Department. The skills and level of dedication he brought to this position will be hard to replace. Glen frequently and proudly spoke of the "Brotherhood" and always considered them to be an important part of his family. His presence will certainly be missed by his "brothers & sisters" and the community. Additionally Glen worked part-time as a Turbine Engine Mechanic for Wood Group Pratt & Whitney for the past 7 years. While Glen didn't have much free time, he volunteered his time as a Westfield Youth Football Coach, and coaching Westfield Youth Wrestling for the local Boys & Girls Club. From a very young age, Glen thoroughly enjoyed restoring classic cars, motorcycles, bicycles and just about anything he could repair and bring back to life. Of all Glens' accomplishments he was most proud of the outstanding young men his two sons have become. Their individuality, strength and willingness to please are a true reflection of what made Glen such a great man. Glen loved and was loved by his entire family. He was a devoted and caring provider. He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 19 years, Dawn Marie (Fyhr) Walz, his sons Darren Robert Walz, 18 and Justin Aron Walz 17. He also leaves his brothers Randy Walz, Jr. and wife Dawn Walz, Eric Walz, Jeremy Walz & Matthew Walz, his father & mother-in-law, Robert & Nancy Fyhr, his brother & sister-in-law Darren & Sherry Yvon and his nephews Jack & Jake Yvon and Devon Walz & lastly, his brothers and sisters from the fire departments across the State. A memorial fund for the benefit of Glen's family has been established by the Westfield Fire Department. Contributions can be sent to the United Cooperative Bank, 10 Elm Street, Westfield, MA care of the Westfield Firefighters Assistance Fund. The funeral for Glen will take place on Friday, August 7th at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 30 Bartlett Street, Westfield. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA. Calling hours will be held on Thursday for 4-8 pm at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. Firtionadams.com
(His biological mother's entire side of the family was left out of his obit. He was my nephew and Godson. Annmarie J. (Bissonnette) Christian)
Republican, The (Springfield, MA) - Monday, August 3, 2009
Glen R. Walz: Westfield firefighter killed in crash
HUNTINGTON - a 12-year firefighter was killed when his motorcycle collided with a car Saturday night.
Glen R. Walz, 39, of Westfield, died at the scene. The driver of the car was taken to Cooley Dickinson Hospital by ambulance with injuries which are not life-threatening. Her name was not released.
"He was one of the good guys," said Westfield Fire Chief William E. Phelon. "He was well respected."
Walz joined the department a dozen years ago and was recently promoted to become chief mechanic, assigned to care for all the fire engines and other apparatus, Phelon said.
He spent six years serving in the U.S. Army and learned to be a mechanic fixing Army helicopters. Recently he was working with the department's mechanic and had earned his certification to work on emergency vehicles, Phelon said.
Walz grew up in Westfield and was married to Dawn (Fyhr) Walz. He leaves two sons, a 19 year old and a 17 year old who is a high school student, Phelon said.
The accident happened at about 7:30 p.m. on a curve on a remote section of County Road near house number 43. Walz was driving a 1971 Triumph motorcycle west and the woman was heading west driving a Geo Tracker, said Huntington Police Chief Robert F. Garriepy.
The Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section is assisting Huntington police officer Michael A. Girard in investigating the cause of the accident.
"We are looking for the reason for the collision, "Garriepy said,"
Girard, the lead investigator, has been interviewing witnesses who were in the vicinity of the accident and has also been canvassing the area to talk to people who may have seen the crash, Garriepy said. Westfield firefighters were devastated to learn one of their own had died. They are discussing ways to honor his memory, Phelon said.
Huntington officers also knew Walz since he worked on the Westfield ambulance and occasionally assisted when the town needed help, Garriepy said.
In fact, they had initially called Westfield ambulance to assist in handling the accident but cancelled the call when they realized Walz was a victim.
"It is a tragedy. I can say Glen was a great guy," Garriepy said.
**************************************************************************************
Republican, The (Springfield, MA) - Wednesday, August 5, 2009
WESTFIELD - Glen R. Walz, 39, of Granville Road, passed Saturday, August 1, 2009. Glen was born in Holyoke on February 9, 1970. He was the son of the late Barbara F. (Bissonnette) Walz-Baillargeon of West Springfield, MA and Randy L. Walz, Sr. and his wife Karen of Wallingford, CT. Glen was a 1989 graduate of Westfield High School. He then went on to proudly serve his country as Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. While in the Army, he was assigned the title of Maintenance Supervisor, responsible for the flight readiness of Army helicopters. He was a Gulf War Veteran in the 10th Mt. Division. He served tours in Haiti, Somalia and South Korea and was a member of the American Legion Post 124 as well as a member of the Westfield Firefighters Association Local 1111. Upon being honorable discharged for his 8 years served in the Army, Glen was hired as a firefighter for the Westfield Fire Department on August 8, 1997. He graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy with Honors. Glen was a devoted firefighter for the Westfield Fire Department for the past 12 years. He was extremely dedicated, motivated and an inspirational firefighter. He was instrumental in recreating the Westfield Fire Patch and the reassignment of number badges. He was founder and commander of the Fire Department Honor Guard. Members of the community would feel a sense of great pride to see and hear Glen calling cadence whenever the Fire Department marched in parades or other special events. His passion was upholding traditions assisted in keeping the 1957 Hook & Ladder in Westfield for the local Children's museum, and helped in the repair and upkeep of the 1930 Seagrave Pumper. Glen was an individual who was always one of the first to offer his assistance and expertise where ever it was needed. He made himself readily available and provided coverage for various Fire Departments in Worcester for 6 firefighters who lost their lives battling a warehouse fire. Glen was highly respected and decorated member of the Fire Department. In 2004 he received Firefighter of the Year Award from the Governor's Office. He was the Department's "go-to" guy for so many day to day fire house duties and was consistently one who was looking for ways to make those duties more effective and efficient, one who always helped anyone in need no matter what the situation or circumstance. In June of 2009, Glen was appointed Chief Mechanic for the Fire Department. The skills and level of dedication he brought to this position will be hard to replace. Glen frequently and proudly spoke of the "Brotherhood" and always considered them to be an important part of his family. His presence will certainly be missed by his "brothers & sisters" and the community. Additionally Glen worked part-time as a Turbine Engine Mechanic for Wood Group Pratt & Whitney for the past 7 years. While Glen didn't have much free time, he volunteered his time as a Westfield Youth Football Coach, and coaching Westfield Youth Wrestling for the local Boys & Girls Club. From a very young age, Glen thoroughly enjoyed restoring classic cars, motorcycles, bicycles and just about anything he could repair and bring back to life. Of all Glens' accomplishments he was most proud of the outstanding young men his two sons have become. Their individuality, strength and willingness to please are a true reflection of what made Glen such a great man. Glen loved and was loved by his entire family. He was a devoted and caring provider. He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 19 years, Dawn Marie (Fyhr) Walz, his sons Darren Robert Walz, 18 and Justin Aron Walz 17. He also leaves his brothers Randy Walz, Jr. and wife Dawn Walz, Eric Walz, Jeremy Walz & Matthew Walz, his father & mother-in-law, Robert & Nancy Fyhr, his brother & sister-in-law Darren & Sherry Yvon and his nephews Jack & Jake Yvon and Devon Walz & lastly, his brothers and sisters from the fire departments across the State. A memorial fund for the benefit of Glen's family has been established by the Westfield Fire Department. Contributions can be sent to the United Cooperative Bank, 10 Elm Street, Westfield, MA care of the Westfield Firefighters Assistance Fund. The funeral for Glen will take place on Friday, August 7th at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 30 Bartlett Street, Westfield. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA. Calling hours will be held on Thursday for 4-8 pm at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. Firtionadams.com
(His biological mother's entire side of the family was left out of his obit. He was my nephew and Godson. Annmarie J. (Bissonnette) Christian)
Glen R. Walz: Westfield firefighter killed in crash
HUNTINGTON - a 12-year firefighter was killed when his motorcycle collided with a car Saturday night.
Glen R. Walz, 39, of Westfield, died at the scene. The driver of the car was taken to Cooley Dickinson Hospital by ambulance with injuries which are not life-threatening. Her name was not released.
"He was one of the good guys," said Westfield Fire Chief William E. Phelon. "He was well respected."
Walz joined the department a dozen years ago and was recently promoted to become chief mechanic, assigned to care for all the fire engines and other apparatus, Phelon said.
He spent six years serving in the U.S. Army and learned to be a mechanic fixing Army helicopters. Recently he was working with the department's mechanic and had earned his certification to work on emergency vehicles, Phelon said.
Walz grew up in Westfield and was married to Dawn (Fyhr) Walz. He leaves two sons, a 19 year old and a 17 year old who is a high school student, Phelon said.
The accident happened at about 7:30 p.m. on a curve on a remote section of County Road near house number 43. Walz was driving a 1971 Triumph motorcycle west and the woman was heading west driving a Geo Tracker, said Huntington Police Chief Robert F. Garriepy.
The Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section is assisting Huntington police officer Michael A. Girard in investigating the cause of the accident.
"We are looking for the reason for the collision, "Garriepy said,"
Girard, the lead investigator, has been interviewing witnesses who were in the vicinity of the accident and has also been canvassing the area to talk to people who may have seen the crash, Garriepy said. Westfield firefighters were devastated to learn one of their own had died. They are discussing ways to honor his memory, Phelon said.
Huntington officers also knew Walz since he worked on the Westfield ambulance and occasionally assisted when the town needed help, Garriepy said.
In fact, they had initially called Westfield ambulance to assist in handling the accident but cancelled the call when they realized Walz was a victim.
"It is a tragedy. I can say Glen was a great guy," Garriepy said.
**************************************************************************************
Republican, The (Springfield, MA) - Wednesday, August 5, 2009
WESTFIELD - Glen R. Walz, 39, of Granville Road, passed Saturday, August 1, 2009. Glen was born in Holyoke on February 9, 1970. He was the son of the late Barbara F. (Bissonnette) Walz-Baillargeon of West Springfield, MA and Randy L. Walz, Sr. and his wife Karen of Wallingford, CT. Glen was a 1989 graduate of Westfield High School. He then went on to proudly serve his country as Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. While in the Army, he was assigned the title of Maintenance Supervisor, responsible for the flight readiness of Army helicopters. He was a Gulf War Veteran in the 10th Mt. Division. He served tours in Haiti, Somalia and South Korea and was a member of the American Legion Post 124 as well as a member of the Westfield Firefighters Association Local 1111. Upon being honorable discharged for his 8 years served in the Army, Glen was hired as a firefighter for the Westfield Fire Department on August 8, 1997. He graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy with Honors. Glen was a devoted firefighter for the Westfield Fire Department for the past 12 years. He was extremely dedicated, motivated and an inspirational firefighter. He was instrumental in recreating the Westfield Fire Patch and the reassignment of number badges. He was founder and commander of the Fire Department Honor Guard. Members of the community would feel a sense of great pride to see and hear Glen calling cadence whenever the Fire Department marched in parades or other special events. His passion was upholding traditions assisted in keeping the 1957 Hook & Ladder in Westfield for the local Children's museum, and helped in the repair and upkeep of the 1930 Seagrave Pumper. Glen was an individual who was always one of the first to offer his assistance and expertise where ever it was needed. He made himself readily available and provided coverage for various Fire Departments in Worcester for 6 firefighters who lost their lives battling a warehouse fire. Glen was highly respected and decorated member of the Fire Department. In 2004 he received Firefighter of the Year Award from the Governor's Office. He was the Department's "go-to" guy for so many day to day fire house duties and was consistently one who was looking for ways to make those duties more effective and efficient, one who always helped anyone in need no matter what the situation or circumstance. In June of 2009, Glen was appointed Chief Mechanic for the Fire Department. The skills and level of dedication he brought to this position will be hard to replace. Glen frequently and proudly spoke of the "Brotherhood" and always considered them to be an important part of his family. His presence will certainly be missed by his "brothers & sisters" and the community. Additionally Glen worked part-time as a Turbine Engine Mechanic for Wood Group Pratt & Whitney for the past 7 years. While Glen didn't have much free time, he volunteered his time as a Westfield Youth Football Coach, and coaching Westfield Youth Wrestling for the local Boys & Girls Club. From a very young age, Glen thoroughly enjoyed restoring classic cars, motorcycles, bicycles and just about anything he could repair and bring back to life. Of all Glens' accomplishments he was most proud of the outstanding young men his two sons have become. Their individuality, strength and willingness to please are a true reflection of what made Glen such a great man. Glen loved and was loved by his entire family. He was a devoted and caring provider. He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 19 years, Dawn Marie (Fyhr) Walz, his sons Darren Robert Walz, 18 and Justin Aron Walz 17. He also leaves his brothers Randy Walz, Jr. and wife Dawn Walz, Eric Walz, Jeremy Walz & Matthew Walz, his father & mother-in-law, Robert & Nancy Fyhr, his brother & sister-in-law Darren & Sherry Yvon and his nephews Jack & Jake Yvon and Devon Walz & lastly, his brothers and sisters from the fire departments across the State. A memorial fund for the benefit of Glen's family has been established by the Westfield Fire Department. Contributions can be sent to the United Cooperative Bank, 10 Elm Street, Westfield, MA care of the Westfield Firefighters Assistance Fund. The funeral for Glen will take place on Friday, August 7th at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 30 Bartlett Street, Westfield. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA. Calling hours will be held on Thursday for 4-8 pm at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. Firtionadams.com
(His biological mother's entire side of the family was left out of his obit. He was my nephew and Godson. Annmarie J. (Bissonnette) Christian)
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