Tribute held for the late Capt. Wilmer Hale

On Dec. 16 at the Seventh Street Station, Coshocton Fire Department paid tribute to Capt. Wilmer Hale for his courage and sacrifice on the 50th anniversary of the Buckeye Fabric fire.

"Anyone that knows me knows I speak directly from the heart," Mayor Mark Mills said. "Thank you for gathering with us today as we honor the life, legacy and sacrifice of Capt. Wilmer Hale, who gave his life in the line of duty Dec. 16, 1975.

"Fifty years ago today, 50 years, half a century since that cold December night when Capt. Hale responded as he had so many times before, without hesitation, to protect the people of our community, the fire at Buckeye Fabric Finishers was fierce, unpredictable and unforgiving, and yet Capt. Hale, leading from the front as always, charged into the danger with a steady purpose and quiet courage that defined him. He did not see risk; he saw responsibility. He did not see fear; he saw people in need. He did not see himself; he saw his duty, and fulfilling that duty, he made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The ceremony was a time to remember Hale, not only as a fallen firefighter, but also as a leader, a mentor, a friend, a husband, a father and a proud son of Coshocton.

“Those who served beside him speak of a man who would never fall under pressure and a captain who would never ask of others what he wasn't willing to do himself,” Mills said. “They remember his strength, a steady presence. Protecting others was not just a job, but it was a calling. His legacy is woven deeply into the identity of this department.”

The firehouse is named in Hale’s honor.

“Every firefighter who walks through its doors, every alarm that sounds within these walls and every act of service carried out from this building serves as a daily reminder of Capt. Hale’s sacrifice and the standard that he set,” Mills said. “The legacy of a firefighter is measured not in years, but in lives touched and moments of courage and a number in the chain of service that is passed from one generation to the next. Every firefighter who puts on his uniform in Coshocton today stands on the shoulders of men like Capt. Hale. His example continues to shape this department, his sacrifice continues to remind us of the cost of service and his memory continues to inspire the men who answer the tones here day after day.

"To the Hale family, your loss 50 years ago became a permanent part of the story of this community. We honor you for the strength you carry forward and for sharing with us the man whose character and courage lives on in every firefighter who serves today. Capt. Wilmer Hale gave everything he had to protect Coshocton. Today 50 years later, we reaffirm that we will never forget him. His name, his courage and his sacrifice remain forever etched in the heart of this department and this great city. May we carry his spirit with us, may we be worthy of the example he set and may he rest in eternal peace knowing that his legacy lives on. May all our firefighters always return to Hale Station safely.”

Fire Chief Rusty Dreher thanked everyone for coming to honor Hale’s legacy. “Capt. Hale was hired Dec. 1, 1959, with only a pay of $375 a month. He was then promoted on Jan. 4, 1966, to captain."

"Today we pause to honor the memory of Capt. Wilmer Hale of the Coshocton Fire Department, who gave his life in the service to others 50 years ago," Dreher said, reading a message from Kevin Lee, president of Buckeye Fabric and Finishing Company. "While courageously fighting a fire at Buckeye Fabric, his sacrifice is forever woven into the history of our company and the Coshocton community. Though half a century has passed, the impact of his bravery remains deeply felt.

"Capt. Hale responded that day with the same selflessness and dedication that defined his career. Placing the safety of others above his own, we are humbled by his courage, grateful for his service and committed to ensuring his legacy is never forgotten. On behalf of our entire company — past, present and future — we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Hale family and all the firefighters who continue to protect our communities with unwavering resolve. May we honor Capt. Hale, not only with words, but with continued respect for those who serve, in a renewed commitment to safety in all we do, with gratitude.”

New York City Fire Department Lt. Michael Ciampo retired, started as a volunteer in 1979 and began his professional career in 1985. He is the lead instructor for the FDIC Truck Essentials HOT program and teaches at numerous seminars around the country.

"I'm very proud of the fire department here for remembering the history of the captain on this anniversary," he said. “To continue to honor him, we must use his tragic death to educate all the firefighters who enter this department, who must be educated in building construction, fire behavior and fire fighting procedures in order to prevent another life lost and become a quality firefighter just as Wilber was."

Hale’s wife Betty thanked the fire department and everyone who turned out for the ceremony.

"It means the world to me and my family. He was a good man. I remember for several years us wives would show up at all the fires,” she said. “We would take coffee because they didn't furnish coffee for them back then. I was there the day that he was killed. I had just left, but I passed the ambulance and went to the hospital. I know that was a long night, and they had to go back and fight the fire. They were worn down, but they still stood strong. They stood for what they gave their life for, and that was to be a fireman. I want to thank every one of them. And to this day, there might not be as many of the older ones still around, but you younger ones, I want you to know that my heart is still with you. I just pray that God never puts your family through what I have been through. It was so hard.

"Wives, every time your husband goes to a fire, make sure you tell them that you love them. I remember the last words I said to him on the day he left, ‘I love you and be careful.’ I want to tell you that I admire every one of you. I want to thank the speakers, and like the New York fire, there are a lot of great men there. We have great men. We are strong and steady. We stand together. I want to thank everyone here. I know God kept me alive for a reason, and that reason is so I could be here for this. Because I didn't think I was going to make it, but I'm here and I thank you all.”