|
Apparatus Fire Prevention History Member Register Mission Statement News News Archives Roll Call

Web Calendar

Member's Only
Mission_Statement
| |
| Urban Search and Rescue training |

| Millville Deputy Chief Hollingshead laid to rest with full
honors |
John C. Hollingshead, Sr., Deputy Chief of the Millville Fire Department
received a full firefighter’s funeral today in his home city. Hollingshead
passed away after a brief illness early Friday morning, on July 20, 2007,
with his wife Molly by his side.
Department traditions were carried out in honor of Deputy Chief
Hollingshead; Millville's fire station was draped in mourning, the flag was
lowered to half-staff, and members turned out in full dress uniforms, with
badges draped. MFD Honor Guard stood a casket vigil throughout the nearly
three-hour long viewing. They also acted as pallbearers.
An antique American LaFrance pumper, known by the company as “Phoebe”, was
used as a hearse, and carried the deputy chief's flag-draped coffin. The
pumper stopped in front of the fire station as an original fire bell was
struck 15 times, in honor of Hollingshead's 15 years of faithful service. A
huge flag was hung from two aerial ladder trucks, forming an arch to the
entrance of the cemetery.
An invocation was given at graveside, and taps was blown. Later, “Amazing
Grace” was played by a lone bagpiper standing off from the crowd as a sign
of deep respect. Chief Kurt Hess who earlier had given a heartfelt eulogy
for his good friend, received the folded American flag from the Honor Guard,
which he in turn presented to John’s grieving widow, Molly.
Deputy Chief Hollingshead served the Millville Fire Department for more than
15 years. In 1988, he was awarded the Fire Department Medal of Honor for
Courage for rescuing an infant girl from a fire at Delsea Gardens. He was
named Cumberland County Firefighter of the Year in 1989 for the rescue. He
was also elected to serve the Millville City Commission three times, serving
as Director of Public Safety and Public Works.
Hollingshead may be gone from this earth but his family and friends say he
will always be loved and remembered |
| |
Email your comments to us!
|