Pennsylvania F/F killed in Iraq on 8/27

[Guest]

Just wanted to advise everyone-this came from several e-mails sent by a buddy of mine that is a member of Bryn Athyn Station 11. This department is located just west of NE Philadelphia.

To all:

Tristan Smith, 23, an active member in good standing (and Fire Lieutenant) of

the Bryn Athyn Fire Company, Montgomery County, Pa. Company 11 (My company) was

killed in Iraq yesterday. Tristan was an Army weapons specialist in the

Infantry. He was on a night patrol, and early reports indicate that a small IED

detonated and Tristan took the brunt of it.

Arrangements are unknown at this time, I will let everyone know ASAP.

Keep him and his family in your prayers.

2nd part:

A memorial service for Tristan Smith will be held at the Bryn Athyn Cathedral,

900 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, PA at 16:00 on Thursday, August 31st. Emergency

services personnel are invited to attend the service and to participate in a

procession of uniformed personnel from the Cathedral to the Bryn Athyn Fire

Company for a reception immediately following the memorial service. Due to

limitations of the location and at the request of the family there will not be a

procession of fire apparatus.

Interment will be at a later date. Additional information regarding interment

will be posted at www.BAFC.net

Fire departments and individuals who plan to attend are requested to RSVP with

an estimated number of personnel as soon as possible for planning purposes. RSVP

to BAFC_president@comcast.net.

Emergency Services Personnel are requested to come in private or company

vehicles but not apparatus. Parking will be limited. Parking for uniformed

personnel will be at 600 Tomlinson Road (off Buck Road) with shuttle vans

available to transport personnel to the Cathedral and/or staging areas for the

procession.

3rd part:

On August 27th one of our members, Tristan Smith, was killed in action in Iraq

while serving our country in the United States Army. This a great loss for his

family, our company, the Bryn Athyn community, the Third District-for all of us.

Tristan was an active member here for 7 years, trained hard and rose to the rank

of Lieutenant before enlisting in the Army. He was also a former member of

Willow Grove Fire Company, actively involved in leadership with Boy Scouts and

many activities of the Bryn Athyn Church.

Tristan was the nephew of our Chief, Kris Smith, and Kris has been spending time

with his extended family since they received the news this morning. For the time

being I am taking responsibility for the operation of the fire company. I am

also handling arrangements to appropriately honor a fallen hero from the

standpoint of the company while Kris assists the family and particpates in

whatever way he sees fit. Kris has always encouraged us to put our own families

first and he is doing just that.

Our members and members of some surrounding companies have expressed a strong

desire to honor Tristan with some of the traditions accompanying a fire service

death and even a line of duty death but we must put the wishes of the family

first. Over the next few days we hope to develop plans for a memorial which

allows fire service personnel to participate and respects the wishes of the

family. This may take a little time.

Many of our mutual aid partners and friends have already offered help and we are

greatful. As soon as plans become more specific we will make them known to you

and welcome your participation in some capacity to help honor Tristan.

I can be contacted at 267-242-8081 or dzecher@comcast.net.

Sincerely,

Derek Zecher, Deputy Chief

Bryn Athyn Fire Co.

[Guest]

Also, this is something that was posted on BucksCountyFire.com by a member who saw the article on the news:

Local Firefighter Killed In Iraq

On Monday, a tight-knit local community mourned the loss of a 23-year-old killed fighting for his country.

"We are very proud of this son of ours," said Kim Smith. "He wanted to help people in a variety of ways."

As a teenager, Tristan Smith joined the Bryn Athyn fire company at the age of 16 years old.

The 23 year-old died Sunday in Iraq while on patrol after an improvised device exploded.

His family said Tristan just wanted to help others.

"He was definitely doing what he wanted," said Grant Smith. "He thought about it for years."

His family says he was inspired by the heroic acts of September 11 to do more to help

Smith finished basic training in December 2004 and he has spent the last eight months in Iraq as a weapons specialist.

Smith was on home leave three weeks ago. Friends say he wasn't able to tell them where he was stationed but they knew it was dangerous.

"He gave his life for his country there is no higher honor than that," said Grant Schnarr, Smith's pastor.

Smith was also a local volunteer firefighter.

On Monday, his fellow firefighters tied black bunting above the bay doors at the Bryn Athyn fire department, where the flag flies at half-staff.

On Behalf of the Emerald Society of Bucks & Montgomery Counties, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Tristan Smith and his fellow Firefighters at Bryn Athyn Fire Company.

Heritage and Profession Together

John Marshall

Vice President

ESBMC

www.buxmontemeraldsociety.org

[Guest]

Very sad news indeed. I extend my condolences to Fire Lt. Tristan Smith's family, his comrades at Bryn Athyn Fire Co. and the Montgomery Co. community.

Henry Gregorio

Pelham FD, Westchester Co., NY