Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. JOHN 15:13
In the early morning hours of Valentines Day 2004 in a heroic attempt to save the life of an elderly woman two of our bravest fire fighters were critically injured. Captain Robert "Bobby " Heminger and Captain Kenny Woitalewicz suffered devastating injuries when the roof of the home they were searching collapsed on them. After being rescued themselves from the smoldering rubble of the collapse both men fought for their lives.

Captain Heminger lost his battle for survival on Sunday, February 15, 2004. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.

Captain Woitalewicz  lost his battle for survival at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2004. Kenny left behind a wife and two young boys.

Captains Heminger and Woitalewicz have displayed the ultimate in bravery and paid the ultimate in sacrifice for their community. To honor the memory of their service the Wood River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department has established the Wood River Fire Fighters Family Relief Fund for their families.
 


Bob Heminger's Family


Kenny Woitalewicz's Family


Click here to send your condolences.

To Contributions to The Wood River Firefighter's Family Relief Fund
can be sent to:
Wood River Fire Fighter's Family Relief Fund
% Heritage Bank
PO Box 487, Wood River, NE 68883
Thank You!
           Fireman's Prayer        
When I'm called to duty, God, wherever flames may rage.
Give me strength to save a life whatever be its age.
Help me to embrace a little child before it is too late
Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me.
To guard my every neighbor and protect their property.
And if according to Your will I have to lose my life,
Please bless with Your protecting hand my children and my wife.
 
Fireman's Prayer
© 1996 by Charlie Ball    performed by Plainfolk

Chorus: Lay me down beside cool water
And lay to rest my body sore
Send the word out to my brothers
The fire is down, let it burn no more

1) Let me be ready Lord when the call comes in
When the sirens wail and the engines strain
When the smoke is thick and the air is thin
When innocent lives, in the balance hang

2) I've trained hard Lord and I've learned well
That I'm just one part of a human chain
Though it's been forged in the fires of hell
Still I've known fear Lord, and I've prayed for rain

3) If my brother goes down Lord, let me be near
Won't you let me have what the flames demand
Won't you give him voice, O Lord, and let me hear
And give me the reach Lord, for his outstretched hand

4) Let me be ready Lord if it comes my turn
Won't you let me be strong, let me not complain
Won't you let me go in and with a child return
Take me young Lord, but not in vain

Chorus

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