Reported by: Deb SilvermanWeb produced by: Ian PreuthThe Colerain Township fire houses are being staffed by other departments so everyone who worked with Captain Robin Broxterman and firefighter Brian Schira could be part of the funeral and procession.
Anderson Township firefighters are inside station 102 ready to respond. They know exactly what the Colerain Township Firefighters are feeling. They've been through it before.
"Seven years ago we had a funeral at St. Peter in Chains. It brings back a lot of memories. A lot of the sounds, a lot of the sites, a lot of the tradition," said Anderson Township Firefighter Brian Ried.
Lt. Sean Smith said, "It's all too familiar in a sad way. Seven years ago Bill Ellison was killed and we were in the same position our Colerain brothers and sisters are in today. It's a feeling the firefighters are never going to forget for the rest of their lives," said Smith.
The Anderson Township Firefighters said they'd do anything to help another department in a time of need. While they don't know Colerain Township well, they have map books and a GPS device to get them where they need to go.
"We'll do the same thing they would. There'll be a red truck pull up in front of somebody's house. It will just have Anderson's name on it instead of Colerain," said Smith.
The symbolic final call came over the radio at station 102.
The dispatcher said:
"Attention station 102. Final call for Captain Robin Broxterman and firefighter Brian Schira. They've completed their last alarm and returned to course for their final time. To Captain Robin Broxterman and Brian Schira, may you rest in peace."
The Anderson Township Firefighters said they know from experience that the two will never be forgotten. They said the Colerain Township fire department will be changed forever.
"They're going to be stronger and better firefighters and better people because of this. They did not die in vein and this is going to be a better department than it ever was because of their deaths," said Smith.
