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Firefighters, family honor Wonderly |
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Monday, 25 August 2008 |
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By Joseph Bell Friends, family members and fellow firefighters gathered Saturday morning, Aug. 23 at the Knights of Columbus building at 331 Main St. to honor Frederick E. Wonderly Sr., a former firefighter who died April 10, 2003.
According to Lanny Layton, the idea to donate a book in memory of a deceased firefighter was conjured up by members of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Amalgamated Association of Fire Service Instructors.
"We lost a brother a few years ago and decided to do this for instructors who passed away," Layton said.
The book, donated to Ridgway Public Library, is entitled 'Firefighters' by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
According to Frederick's son, Fred Wonderly Jr., his father spent 35 years as an instructor before dying at age 65.
"I'm very proud of my father," Wonderly Jr. said. "For people of this station to honor him and his dedication to the service is incredible."
Wonderly Sr. was a member of Second Ward Hose Co. in Ridgway for 37 years and served as a Fire Service Instructor for 35 years.
"I miss him a lot," Wonderly Jr. said. "I took a lot of classes from him and, when I show up at a fire, I see these guys and they come up to me and say, 'I know who are,' then they tell me stories about my father."
In regards to classes, Wonderly Jr. said his father spent approximately seven months out of a year instructing classes.
"I'd venture a guess that he probably taught 400 to 500 hours a year," Wonderly Jr. said. "Probably starting in March to around September."
Wonderly Sr.'s widow, Jan Wonderly, said he was dedicated to the classes.
"He traveled a lot to different classes, back and forth to Lewistown," Jan said. "He traveled quite a bit."
Despite an unwavering dedication to the fire department, Jan said Wonderly Sr. cherished his family.
"He was a very caring and helpful person and his family was first and the fire department was second, but sometimes it was reversed," Jan said. "He really cared about everyone."
According to Jan, Wonderly Sr. received his teaching credentials in 1969.
"He was always teaching classes and taught until he died," Jan said. "But he always made time for his family, and all his grandchildren were the apple of his eye. He was always taking them for walks and down to the fire hall." |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 03 September 2008 )
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