In Loving Memory of Our Brother Cole: A Call to Strengthen Our Community Through Support and Safety

In Loving Memory of Our Brother Cole: A Call to Strengthen Our Community Through Support and Safety

It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of our beloved firefighter, brother, son, and cherished member of the Centralia community, Cole. Recently, Cole was involved in a devastating farming accident that has left his family, friends, and all of us at the Centralia Fire Department reeling from the loss of such a brave and dedicated individual.

Cole was more than just a firefighter; he was a symbol of courage, selflessness, and community spirit. Whether fighting fires, responding to emergencies, or lending a helping hand, he stood as a pillar of strength for those around him. His unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property was evident in every call he answered, and his presence will be deeply missed both within the fire department and throughout the Centralia area.

In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, our department has come together to honor Cole’s memory by taking meaningful steps to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our rescue efforts moving forward. One of the most critical lessons from this incident is the vital importance of having the best possible tools and equipment at our disposal—especially extrication equipment, which plays a crucial role in emergency rescue situations involving vehicles, machinery, and agricultural equipment.

To that end, we have established the Cole Memorial Extrication Fund with the purpose of upgrading and enhancing the Centralia Fire Department’s extrication tools. Our goal is to equip our firefighters with the most advanced, reliable, and efficient equipment available, not only to better serve our immediate community but also to support neighboring areas in times of need.

The need for modern, well-maintained extrication equipment cannot be overstated. In emergency scenarios, every second counts. High-quality tools can mean the difference between life and death when rescuing individuals trapped in vehicles, machinery, or other hazardous situations. By upgrading our equipment, we honor Cole’s legacy through improved preparedness and a stronger, more capable firefighting force.

We invite everyone who knew Cole, who values the safety of our community, or who simply wishes to make a difference, to contribute to this fund. Your generous support will directly impact the lives of those who may one day face emergencies where every tool and every moment is crucial. Together, we can help prevent future tragedies and ensure our firefighters are empowered to respond with the best resources possible.

Cole’s dedication and spirit will forever inspire us. As we mourn his loss, we also embrace the responsibility to carry forward his mission — to protect, serve, and safeguard the lives of our neighbors. Through your kindness and support, the Centralia Fire Department will rise stronger, better equipped, and more ready than ever to meet the challenges ahead.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us during this difficult time. Together, we will keep Cole’s memory alive by making our community safer for all.