Tim Hart’s Memorial began at 11 am today on a beautiful, breezy day in Cody, Wyoming. Nearly 300 people watched the livestream and over 400 attended in person: friends from the community of Cody, local family and those from across the country, his West Yellowstone crew of smokejumpers, representatives from other jump bases in the US, other firefighters and many representatives from the Forest Service and other agencies.
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| Tim's family arrives |
Tim, with his wife Michelle and dog Dash, was a Cody resident. He died from injuries sustained on May 24 while responding to the Eicks Fire in Hildago County, New Mexico. Statements of condolence came in from Governors of Montana and Wyoming, the Cody Mayor, the Chief of the Forest Service, smokejumpers from across the country and many members of the public.
Today’s service began with opening statements from Grangeville Smokejumper Base Manager Mike Blinn, followed by the posting of the colors by the Honor Guard. Comments were made by Chief of the Forest Service Vicki Christiansen, the Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, and Cody Mayor Matt Hall followed by comments from family and friends.
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Tim's crew onstage for the
Bell Ceremony |
The flag folding ceremony was next followed by presentations of National, State and Forest Service flags to members of Tim’s Family. His wife Michelle was also presented with a statue from the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.
Even more solemn ceremonies followed, all traditions in the fire service. Tim's entire crew came on stage for the Bell Ceremony. This ceremony symbolizes the devotion that these brave souls have for their duty. A special signal of three rings, three times each, represents the end of a firefighter’s duties and that they will be returning to quarters.
It says to those who have selflessly given their lives for the good of their fellow man, that their tasks are completed, their duties well done. It’s their last alarm, they are going home.
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| The Pipe & Drum Corp |
This was followed by Amazing Grace played by the Pipe and Drum Corp. And finally, The Last Call closed out the ceremony with a radio call to Tim from Bozeman Dispatch, which goes unanswered, followed by Dispatch’s last words thanking Tim for his service.
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| Honor Guard uniforms |
All in all, the day went well and the Forest Service and Tim’s family appreciated the support that was shown. The
timhartmemorial.blogspot.com will remain up for people to look at. A video of the service will be posted on the blog once it's done.
