Lodd-pa

[res54cuecaptain]

http://kdka.com/topstories/local_story_035182418.html

http://orp.live.mediaspanonline.com/...lenfirefighter

rest in peace, brother Jeremy LaBella

and get better soon, George McMillen

[Jonathan Hall]

Thoughts and prayers go out to Firefighter LaBella's family, friends, and fellow brothers. A full and speedy recovery for the injured brother.

[firedog21]

Rest In Peace Brother !

Firedog21
I.A.F.F. Proud

[dave29]

RIP Brotha

[glock509]

rest in peace brother.

[res54cuecaptain]

update

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Fire Fighter Jeremy C. LaBella of IAFF Local 2218 - Washington, Pennsylvania. Brother LaBella, 27, died on Sunday, February 4, 2007 from a roof collapse while responding to a structure fire. The viewing will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, February 7, 2007 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the William G. Neal Funeral Home, 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, Pennsylvania 15301, (724) 225-8122. The funeral will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, 135 W. Chestnut Street, Washington, Pennsylvania 15301, (724) 225-8122.

WASHINGTON, Pa. -- One firefighter was killed and another was hurt when a canopy collapsed on them as they fought a fire Sunday morning.

The flames broke out inside a garage on Allison Avenue shortly after 10 a.m. The cause has not been determined.

Jeremy LaBella, 27, of Washington, was pronounced dead at Washington Hospital.


LaBella sat in the jump seat, serving as the hoseman for engine companies one and two.

On Sunday, LaBella strung the hose into a burning structure fire for the very first time. At first, crews said he escaped the ceiling collapse, but didn't survive the porch collapse outside.

LaBella started his firefighting career when he was 14 as a junior firefighter.

For 13 years, he served as a volunteer.

Washington Mayor Ken Westcott said LaBella was the first city firefighter to die in the line of duty since 1955. He had only been on the job for a few months.

LaBella also worked for the Canton Township Volunteer Fire Company.

"As soon as I found out about it, it was a sick feeling and terribly sad," said firefighter Joe Manning. "He was so young."

Medics transported Labella's partner, George McMullen, who was also trapped under the roof, to a local hospital.

LaBella will be honored with a full fireman's memorial, which is set to run down the heart of Washington and past the fire hall.

Copyright 2007 by ThePittsburghChannel

Memorial Fund:
Jeremy LaBella Memorial Fund
90 West Chestnut Street
Washington, Pa. 15301

[res54cuecaptain]

1,200 honor fallen Washington City hero

By Karen Roebuck
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, February 9, 2007


Rookie Washington City firefighter Jeremy LaBella was remembered Thursday as a man who died fulfilling his dream.
About 1,200 people, most of them emergency responders who called him "brother," packed Immaculate Conception Church -- the largest church in Washington -- to honor LaBella, 27, who was killed in a roof collapse while fighting a house fire Sunday.

"It sounds almost cliched to say we're a brotherhood, but when something like this happens and you see this kind of show of support, it's not a cliche anymore," Washington Fire Capt. Joe Manning said. "It means everything to us."

Firefighters from Maryland, Virginia, New York City and even Osceola, Fla., came to the funeral.





LaBella had a "passion for what I believe was his true mission in life, a mission that he started training for when he was only 5 years old when he was given his first fire truck, dreaming of the day when he would be a fireman," said Pastor Gary Gibson, of North Buffalo Presbyterian Church.

LaBella joined the Canton Volunteer Fire Department at age 15, working alongside his father, Charles, who now serves as assistant fire chief.

The younger LaBella realized his dream of becoming a full-time firefighter on Aug. 10, when he got a job with the Washington Fire Department.

"Jeremy was with our department only a short time, but he fit so well, it felt as though he had always been there," Manning told mourners. "He was always, always ready for duty."

LaBella posthumously received the International Association of Fire Fighters Medal of Honor, which was given to his parents.

Six New York City firefighters flew in to attend LaBella's funeral, while another New York City delegation went to Winnipeg, Canada, for another firefighter's funeral, said Mark Connolly, a firefighter stationed in the Bronx.

"On 9/11, they threw a whole bunch of support our way, and we're repaying the favor," he said.

As bagpipes played "Amazing Grace," hundreds of firefighters saluted LaBella's casket, which was conveyed atop a bright yellow Canton Volunteer fire engine during the mile-long procession to Washington Cemetery. A black wreath, bunting and flags decorated the truck and black fabric covered the light bars.

Hundreds of vehicles -- most with their lights flashing -- weaved through town and passed Trinity High School, where LaBella graduated in 1997, and a sign that honored him as "our fallen hero."

LaBella's photo, a red-white-and-blue wreath and firefighters gear stood in memorial at the West Wheeling Street fire station, a tribute to the first firefighter from the department to die in the line of duty in 52 years.

Pittsburgh firefighters volunteered to man Washington's two fire stations Wednesday and yesterday so the 15 members of LaBella's department could attend his wake and funeral services. About 100 others boarded buses yesterday morning at Heinz Field and rode to the funeral.

One of them was rookie firefighter Steve Wallace, 50, of Station 27 on Mt. Washington, who has been on the job 18 months.

"This is a part of the job," he said. "It's a part that you don't want to have to do, but it's important to pay your respects."



Karen Roebuck can be reached at [email protected] or (412) 320-7939.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_492463.html

[physco15]

physoc15

Thanks to all who have sent there sympathy and condolences for Jeremy
La Bella. I am his uncle and brother firefighter from washington. From all of my family we thank you for your thoughts and prayers.