Firefighters pay final tribute to fallen friend, colleague

Travis Moshier Photo Engine 48-2, carrying fallen firfi.ghter Bruce Setzer's gear, leads the procession under the flag draped between Tower 48 (Coudersport) and Tower 14 (Emporium) during funeral services Wednesday. Setzer, a 31-year veteran of Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Assn., died May 15.

Nearly 75 firfi.ghters from three counties gathered Tuesday morning to pay a final tribute to a fallen Coudersport firfi.ghter.

Bruce L. Setzer, 46, died unexpectedly on May 15 while he was taking a family member for medical treatment in western New York. He had served in the fire department for 31 years, including time spent as assistant chief, president and truck captain.

During the funeral, fellow firfi.ghter Bill Pekarski sang Garth Brooks' "The Dance," and Coudersport firfi.ghters gave their final salutes. The bell rang 5-5-5 as Setzer was carried out of the church.

Firefighters and apparatus representing Coudersport, Austin, Roulette, Galeton, Harrison Township, Ulysses, Shinglehouse, Port Allegany, Smethport and Emporium escorted Setzer's fireengine red casket from the Park United Methodist Church in Coudersport to the St. Eulalia Cemetery just after noon.

A bagpiper played "Amazing Grace" during the committal service. Following the committal, family and Coudersport firfi.ghters released red and white balloons.

On Monday, friends and family gathered for a viewing at the fire station. State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann came from Harrisburg to pay his respects to Setzer and his family.