South Fire's Michael Osiecki Laid to Rest in Solemn Ceremony

The funeral of South Fire District firefighter Michael Osiecki, 54, was a solemn occasion Friday morning as dozens of friends, family and emergency services brethren gathered at St. Sebastian Church in Middletown.

The 25-year firefighter died suddenly on Oct. 13 after a medical emergency.

Osiecki's American flag-draped coffin was carried down Washington Street to the church in a motorcycle hearse, in honor of his devotion to his Harley Davidson bike. 

Members of the Connecticut Patriot Guard, Middlefield, UConn and State Police, the New London and Emerald Society of New Haven Firefighters Fife and Drum Corps, Middletown firefighters and police stood outside St. Sebastian Church awaiting the funeral procession.

Osiecki began his firefighting service as a volunteer in 1977. On July 4, 1988, he became a career firefighter at Middletown's South Fire District. He was also a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

He was laid to rest at St. Sebastian's Cemetery in Middletown Friday afternoon. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport, CT 06610; Patriot Guard Riders of Connecticut, c/o Marcia Young, Treasurer, 8 Brenda Lane, Old Saybrook, CT 06475; or the Wounded Warrior Project.

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