WHFD Members help celebrate the life of Former DCFD Chief Cappy Champlin
By Department Photographer Rebecca Schilke
February 6, 2016
On Friday, February 5th, firefighters of the Watch Hill Fire Department assisted their brothers and sisters from the Dunns Corners Fire Department in honoring the memory of Retired DCFD Chief Richard "Cappy" Champlin. Department members set up the ladder truck and American Flag for the funeral procession to pass under on the way to the cemetery. Watch Hill, Westerly, Dunns Corners, and Misquamicut firefighters joined and saluted as the procession including DCFD Engine 3 passing by to honor the memory of Chief Champlin. The Dunn's Corners Fire Department requested the Assistance of the Rhode Island LAST team who specialize in facilitating fire department funerals. WHFD Lieutenant Christopher Koretski , a member of the LAST team was involved in the deployment to Dunn's Corners along with firefighters of all ranks from across the fire service in the state. The WHFD was honored to assist in several ways to give the chief the final send off he so greatly deserved.
WHFD Lieutenant Chris Koretski assists DCFD Retired Asst. Chief Frank Champlin to his brother's grave.
Members of the RI LAST team including Chiefs Frank Brown, Bob Bradley, Jim Grenga, and Firefighter Ryan Elmasian.
Lieutenant Koretski stands guard with members of area departments as the Chief enters the Church.
The body of retired Chief Champlin of the DCFD is carried to Engine 3 to be transported to the cemetery.
LAST Team members Chief Bob Bradley of Central Falls, Lieutenant Charlie Scott- East Providence, and Lieutenant Chris Koretski- Watch Hill.
WHFD Lieutenant Chris Koretski provides directions to Retired Assistant Chief Frank Champlin as he gives his brother one last ride on Engine 3.
WHFD Ladder 104 and DCFD Tower 5 raise the flag over Watch Hill Road awaiting the procession.
Watch Hill, Misquamicut, Dunn's Corner's and Westerly fire personnel await the arrival of the funeral procession.
WHFD Ladder 104 and DCFD Tower 5 provide support for the memorial arch.
Watch Hill, Misquamicut, Dunn's Corner's and Westerly fire personnel await the arrival of the funeral procession.
Watch Hill, Misquamicut, Dunn's Corner's and Westerly fire personnel await the arrival of the funeral procession.
WHFD L-104 and DCFD Tower 5 raising the flag
WHFD Lieutenant Koretski assists with directions to members of the DCFD upon the arrival of the Chief's casket in River bend Cemetery.
Hopkins Hill Fire Chief Frank Brown and Johnston Firefighter Ryan Elmasian members of the RI LAST Team await the funeral procession in River Bend Cemetery.
Firefighters R. Schilke, C. McKenna, and H. Schilke render honors during the services.
Firefighter Rachel Schilke places her parade gloves on the casket of Ret. Chief Champlin as a final sign of respect.
