FIRE CHIEF MEMORIALIZED
Ex-Emporium Chief John Heitzenrater dead at 82
By Alex Davis Endeavor News

A former Emporium fire chief was memorialized with a procession of emergency vehicles through the community on Wednesday. John Heitzenrater died last Saturday at the age of 82.

About 35 firfi.ghters from Emporium, Sinnemahoning, St. Marys and Austin joined dozens of family members and friends in celebrating his life at the St. Mark Catholic Church. A service was held at the Barnett Funeral Home. Cameron County Memorial Detail stood guard.

A fire department member since 1969, Heitzenrater served as chief from 1976 to 1979. He was also a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.

Aerial ladders from Emporium and St. Marys were used to hold up an American flag high above the proceedings. Sirens blew to honor Heitzenrater's memory.

"He was an all-around good person with good leadership abilities," recalled Fire Chief Butch Housler. "He always cracked a smile and had something witty to say."

Fire department member Maxwell Narby expressed similar sentiments.

"I never heard a bad word about him," Narby said. "He was liked by everybody."

Firefighters from Emporium, Sinnemahoning, St. Marys and Austin memorialized the passing of former Fire Chief John Heitzenrater with a procession of emergency vehicles through downtown Emporium Wednesday. Heizenrater died last Saturday. He was 82.