Crime & Safety

PHOTOS: Fire Departments Pay Tribute To Late Portsmouth Fire Chief

Members of the Portsmouth and Middletown Fire Departments recently paid tribute to one of their own.

 

Members of the made a special tribute to this past weekend. 

The departments set up an American flag, hoisted by two fire engines, in front of the . Featured above are photos of the display. 

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Wilkey, 76, of Long Meadow Road, Portsmouth, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 5, 2012, at Village House Nursing Home, Newport, surrounded by his loving family.

Wilkey joined the Portsmouth Fire Department in 1954 while still in high school. He served in the U.S. Army for two years, stationed at Fort Lewis, WA, where he served in the Aviation Crash/Rescue team.

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Upon his release from the military, he returned to Portsmouth and rejoined the fire department. He served as chief of the Portsmouth Fire Department from 1979 until his retirement in 1991. 

A memorial gathering was held this past Saturday at Connor's Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society Of Rhode Island, 931 Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886 or the Alzheimer's Association - RI Chapter, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906.


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