Lt. Brian S. Ashe of the Lowell Fire Dept. Born in Brooklyn N.Y. in October of 1954 he settled in the city of Lowell as a young child where he graduated from Lowell High School. After graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force, Returning home with an interest in public service he became a deputy sheriff with the Middlesex County Sheriff's Department before becoming a Firefighter with the Lowell Fire Department where he rose to the rank of lieutenant. Basher served as the officer on Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 7, Ladder 2, Ladder 3 and Rescue 1, prior to his passing he was assigned to Engine 6. He also served as Lowell F.D.'s E.M.S. coordinator where he worked to unify the city's E.M.S. and Fire response services. He also worked briefly as an EMT with the city's E.M.S. service. Basher was a member of Station 28, Ma and held the seat of Secretary.
Robin Burton-Jenkins was killed in a traffic accident on the morning of October 6th, 2006, while returning to his Ocoee home after completing his 24-hour tour-of-duty at Kissimmee Fire Station 11. While riding his motorcycle along Osceola Parkway, he was struck by an SUV, in the area between Michigan Avenue and the Turnpike.Robin served the City of Kissimmee for 2 ½ years. He was a member of Fire and Iron Firefighters Motorcycle Club and a member of the Fraternal Order Of Leatherheads Society, F.O.O.L.S. He was a former firefighter in Escambia County, Florida for 4 years, and a decorated 16 year member of Her Majesty’s Royal Army and Royal Navy as part of England’s special operations team. He was born and raised in London, England, but moved to the U.S. in 1996 to join his wife.Robin was certified as a Firefighter and EMT, a special operations technician, and was working toward his state fire officer and fire inspector certifications. He was a beloved member of the KFD family. For all those who worked with him—his jovial demeanor and quick whit will be greatly missed.Robin is survived by his wife Karen and two sons, Christian, 8 and Ryan, 11. Fire & Iron extends their thoughts and prayers to Robin’s family.
Larry honorably served as the first African-American to join the City of Kissimmee Fire Department. Hired on May 3, 1976 by Chief Arlo Lawrence, Larry served 32 joyous years as a Kissimmee Firefighter. Born in Ocala to Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Brown, Larry was the youngest of six children. He lived across from the Florida State Fire College and as a child he always knew he wanted to be a firefighter. Larry was quickly promoted to Fire Engineer in 1980. His fine accomplishments were recently recognized as he was named Kissimmee's Employee of the Year in 2007 as well as the 2007 Osceola County Firefighter of the Year.. Larry established the first HonorGuard for the Kissimmee Fire Department and served as its Commander. He is survived by four children, Marlon, Vonetta, Kyler and Kristy & 9 grandchildren, sisters Alice Lewis, Hilda Cox and brothers John, Raymond and Curtis
Jeffrey "Jeff" W. Ness, 45, a 14-year member of the Lawrence Fire Department, and a member of Station 28, MA died Aug. 28, 2004 in Hampstead, N.H in an unexplained motorcycle accident. Born in Methuen, he had attended Northern Essex Community College, and was a member of the Lawrence British Club. He enjoyed golf and was a great lover of animals.
While attending the Regional Meeting for our region Saturday, September 27,2008 Mike was not feeling well.The first day he rested in his room and we were all just hoping he had a case of the flu. The next morning he looked even worst and had vomitted many times he told me during the night.I strongly advised Mike of our concern for his condition and immediately called for an ambulance and had him transported to the local hospital.Mike agreed to go and his Daughtter Leanne also a member stood behind with us.WMike had told me he had been to his doctor that week and was told he just had a case of the flu and he would have to ride it out.Hearing this made us feel that he would go and get checked out and be back with us within a few hours enjoying the regional rally.I waited a few hours and called the hospital and was connected to his room. Upon speaking with Mike I was told that the hospital had diagnosed him with having a case of severe kidney stones. At this point a few members along with Leanne went to the hospital to see him.Mike felt pretty confident about the doctor and staff and when asked if he wanted to be transported to the Mass General in Boston he refused. We both laughed at his primary cares diagnosis of the flu and him having to ride it out Anyway Mike asked me to look out for Leanne if something happened to go wrong and I promised him I would.His Gall Bladder surgery was scheduled for the next day.Next day comes the Stones were removed and I was talking to him on the phone in his room and he said he felt tired so he just wanted to sleep.That was the last time I spoke to my friend and Vice-President.Within hours we found out Mike had gone into Septic shock and was now in a comaand the hospital was trying ,to stabilize him.Leanne called her mother and informed her of the changes in his condition. Rhonda is Mike's ex-Wife, Leannes mother, and also an O.R. Nurse. Within hours she was at the hospital making arrangements to have Mike transferred to the Mass. General in Boston. After a few days at the Mass. General and still no changes his bodily functions were starting to shut down.As it turns out the Mass General Diagnosed Mike as having AML Type Leukemia the worst type of Leukemia a person could have.Within a very short time my friend was dying.It was decided that mike would be taken out the life support machines and allowed to die with honor as the man he truly was. We will all miss our brother and my friend and hope that someday they find a cure for this horendous disease. I to am also keeping my promise of looking out for his daughter and member Leanne Dicarlo. Tom Prizio,PresidentFire and Iron, Station 777Metro Boston Area.
Dennis has been a member of Fire & Iron since Dec of 2006. He retired from Somerville FD in Mass. Born in Ireland and raised in Boston. Dennis had a cardiac history and it's believed that he died of a heart attack. An autopsy was not done. He is really missed.
Tracey passed away at home after a lengthty battle with cancer. She will be dearly missed.
I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one,
I’d like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing
times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those
who grieve, to dry before the sun.
Of happy memories that I leave
when life is done.
Our dear friend and fellow club member, Tony "The Eye" Volpe passed away after a very courageous fight with colon cancer. Tony was a fireman's fireman and always was looking to help others. Tony leaves behind his beautiful wife Melissa, also a 9 Chicago- member. Tony will always be with us and rides with us everytime we go out. FIFL
Franklin "Gutter" Smith was loved by all. He was killed in a motorcycle
accident while in Alabama and was wearing his helmet. He was a good bad boy!He swerved to miss a minivan while making a pass to catch up to the rest ofthe group. The van never looked and gave no signal. The van was attemptingto pass the next motorcycle in front of her. Please teach everyone to ALWAYSride as a group with no spacing to help eliminate this sort of unnecessaryloss of such a valuable life. Frank worked at Marianna Toyota for several years as a master mechanic.For a few years he had tried to join us but needing fire,ems, or some typeof certificate he finally was blessed by having on of our own sponsor him.Even as late as Thursday church we were making plans for him to attend fireschool and be able to be a primary member. He is now just that. He will belooking down on us paving the way and making sure the lights are always onfor us at Hooters! Save us a seat Gutter! He was also being groomed to beour next sergeant at arms! He loved what he did and nothing I asked of himfor the club was refused! He was also a member of the Army National Guard and a veteran of the GulfWar. Thanks for being there for us in all aspects and sharing your life withus! Station 202 has been blessed greatly. You will be missed sorely.Thoughts and prayers to your family. We shall always be there for them.
Joe "Old Goat" Grinzinger was a member of Station 370 Central Michigan, riding a vintage Harley Davidson Sportster.
He was a man who had three loves; his family, firefighting and his club. He was a very dedicated member doing everything he could to help out. He was a retired firefighter
from the Deerfield Township Fire Department after having served for over 25 years. He was also a member of the Isabella County Fire Investigation Team. Joe was also a proud
veteran having served in the U.S. Army. He will forever be remembered for his dedication to the club and that big old white beard he would grow to be auctioned off for Station
370's Breast Cancer Benefit. Joe passed away unexpectedly at his home in Spetember of 2011.
You will be missed Old Goat, but we know that everytime we throw up the kickstands, you are with us. Godspeed Brother, and we will see you on the other side.
Rick died suddenly at Massachusetts General Hospital early in the morning on October 25, 2011. Rick's death created a shock-wave of sadness for the Station 66 Black Sheep
and our friends throughout Fire & Iron Nation. Rick bled our Colors and I've never met anybody in our club who was more proud to wear them. I'll never forget the day my phone
ran off the hook on the day he wore them in Lawrence District Court. He was proud to call all of you his brother and sister. On October 26, 2011 Rick was cremated wearing
our Colors. He will be missed dearly. R.I.P. Brother
