Over 1,000 attend memorial for fallen firefighter
PORT TOWNSEND, Wash. -- The sound of fire engines echoed through Port Townsend streets, as a precession of 100 fire trucks honored a fallen firefighter.
Eighteen-year-old Andy Palmer died while battling a wildfire in California's Shasta Trinity-National Park two weeks ago. He had been a firefighter at Olympic National Park for only one month.
"When he got called to go to California he was just thrilled, just on cloud nine," said family friend Andy Loos.
Representatives from 54 different agencies crowded the memorial service at Fort Worden in Port Townsend. Some flew in from California and Oregon to pay their respects.
"Andy probably would have said 'unbelievable,' " Loos said. "He would have felt this truly amazing, I think."
Friends described Palmer as a "gentle giant." At 6 foot 4 inches and 240 pounds, the Port Townsend High School graduate towered over everybody. His size made him a natural offensive lineman during his high school years.
"Andy loved playing football. I never started a game without a hug from him and a prayer of strength from his favorite movie Boondock Saints," said teammate Christian DuBois.
He added that Palmer never turned down a free plate of food.
Palmer joined the Olympic National Park as a seasonal firefighter. He died on his first assignment when a tree fell on him. Port Townsend High Athletic Director Scott Ricardo said Palmer told a colleague "to tell his mom and dad I love them" as he was being hoisted from the fire lines.
Palmer would have turned 19 in September and planned to major in mechanical engineering at Montana State University in the fall.
A scholarship fund has been set up in his name, for future Port Townsend High students.
Eighteen-year-old Andy Palmer died while battling a wildfire in California's Shasta Trinity-National Park two weeks ago. He had been a firefighter at Olympic National Park for only one month."When he got called to go to California he was just thrilled, just on cloud nine," said family friend Andy Loos.
Representatives from 54 different agencies crowded the memorial service at Fort Worden in Port Townsend. Some flew in from California and Oregon to pay their respects.
"Andy probably would have said 'unbelievable,' " Loos said. "He would have felt this truly amazing, I think."
Friends described Palmer as a "gentle giant." At 6 foot 4 inches and 240 pounds, the Port Townsend High School graduate towered over everybody. His size made him a natural offensive lineman during his high school years.
"Andy loved playing football. I never started a game without a hug from him and a prayer of strength from his favorite movie Boondock Saints," said teammate Christian DuBois.
He added that Palmer never turned down a free plate of food.
Palmer joined the Olympic National Park as a seasonal firefighter. He died on his first assignment when a tree fell on him. Port Townsend High Athletic Director Scott Ricardo said Palmer told a colleague "to tell his mom and dad I love them" as he was being hoisted from the fire lines.
Palmer would have turned 19 in September and planned to major in mechanical engineering at Montana State University in the fall.
A scholarship fund has been set up in his name, for future Port Townsend High students.