Timothy A. DiOrio, the only Coal Township (Pa) Firefighter killed in the line of
duty, was honored yesterday afternoon for his bravery, inspiration to others and
legacy in the community.
DiOrio, a 21-year member of Maine Fire Company who
died at the age of 36 battling a mutual aid fire in Trevorton on Nov. 1, 2002,
was recalled by fellow firefighters and a retired state trooper during his 10th
annual memorial service as a hero, dedicated volunteer, leader, animal lover and
special person.
In addition to being a Volunteer Fireman, DiOrio also was a
state trooper assigned to the Selinsgrove barracks and state police fire
marshal.
A nice crowd, including family members, friends, a large contingent
of firefighters from Maine Fire Company and Coal Township fire and government
officials gathered on the cloudy day at DiOrio’s memorial on Cliff Street near
Arch Street to once again pay tribute to the fallen
firefighter.
Firefighters, an engine and specialty truck processed from Maine
Fire Company to the memorial and were led by a color guard from the Civil Air
Patrol.
“Speaking at this service means more to me than any other speaking
engagement I’ve ever had,” commented Kenneth Hill, a retired lieutenant colonel
from the Pennsylvania State Police and DiOrio’s good friend. “I am honored and
humbled to be here.”
The Marine Corps veteran added, “We are here to set our
brother off with honors that are due to an American hero. The phrase – if only –
never changes the reality of the loss of a loved one. We are still left with the
pain and memories. We tell stories and share our memories of Timmy that generate
laughter, which makes the pain a little easier to bear.”
Hill, who was a
state police lieutenant in Troop F at the time of DiOrio’s death and organized
the thousands of police and firefighters who attended his funeral, talked about
DiOrio’s kindness towards dogs and cats, his advanced skills and knowledge of
the police and firefighting professions, his bravery and inspiration to
others.
“We know Timmy was a special person and inspired a community to build
a memorial in his honor. He made us all very proud,” Hill said.
Also serving
as guest speakers were Steven Gregory, a second lieutenant with Maine Fire
Company, and Matt Dunn, a volunteer firefighter with Maine who serves as the
protective services instructor at Northumberland County Career and Technology
Center.
Gregory discussed the long history of Maine Fire Company, which was
officially established as the first fire company in Coal Township on Aug. 13,
1898, and named after the U.S. Battleship Maine.
Dunn shared some humorous
stories about DiOrio that included his love of fire trucks. He said his friend
was very instrumental in purchasing a new engine for the fire company and set a
great example for younger firefighters.
He said every member of Maine Fire
Company completed at least firefighter I certification as their way of honoring
DiOrio since his death. He said DiOrio was the first member of the organization
to have completed the training, which is offered by the National Fire Protection
Association.
“Channeling our energy by completing the certification was
something positive that helped us with the grief experienced by Tim’s death,”
Dunn said.
Michael Ulrich and Bailey Stank, junior firefighters at Maine,
recited an inspiration poem dedicated to firefighters.
Thomas Kiefaber,
president of Maine Fire Company, served as master of ceremonies for the program
that was organized by Sandra Schenewerk, chairwoman of the Timothy A. DiOrio
Memorial Committee.
Kiefaber introduced each of the speakers and thanked
everyone for attending.
The Rev. Tammy Gessner, pastor of Richfield United
Church of Christ who offered an opening prayer and benediction, stated, “We are
here to celebrate Timmy’s life. As long as we live, Timmy shall live. He will
always be part of us. He left a legacy and we continue to cherish his memory as
we move on. He would want us to smile, open our eyes and hearts to love, and
serve our fellow man and all of God’s creatures.”
Trooper Scott Davis of the
Pennsylvania State Police and John Richardson, captain of Maine Fire Company,
placed a wreath at the memorial during the service.
Seth Lowe played the
bagpipes before and during the memorial service, and sounded taps.
Tiffany
Kaseman sang the national anthem.
DiOrio’s parents, Al and Cathy DiOrio, Coal
Township, were among various family members in attendance. Mr. DiOrio described
the service as “beautiful” and commended everyone who attended and organized the
event. He especially praised the efforts of Schenewerk and her
committee.
Tracy Brown, Paxinos, also attended the service in memory of her
late husband.
A reception at Maine Fire Company followed the service.
