Public Bids Final Farewell to Fallen Westland Firefighter

Friends, family, and fellow firefighters were among the large crowd of mourners who came out to say goodbye to Dearborn resident Brian Woehlke on Monday.

Woehlke, 29, died from injuries sustained while fighting a strip mall fire with the Wayne-Westland Fire Department on May 8.

Monday he was laid to rest following a solemn public ceremony at the Church of the Divine Child. The funeral included a full firefighter procession, complete with pipes and drums and salute from Woehlke's surviving firefighters from around the state.

Capt. Dale Bradley of the Detroit Fire Department said it has been humbling to see so many people show their support to Woehlke's family as well as firefighters in general following the Dearborn resident's death.

"A tragedy like this brings people together," he said. "Brian's loss is a deep loss that will be felt among all the departments across southeast Michigan. We will continue to pray for his family. We want them to know that Brian's name will never be forgotten."

Todd Trudeau, a 20-year veteran firefighter from Roseville, said Woehlke's death gives the public a "reality check" of the risk that emergency responders face every day.

"We're here today to show our support and respect to Brian's family," he said. "Anytime a firefighter dies in the line of duty, it affects all of us."

Dearborn Fire Department Battalion Chief Kevin Boyer agreed, stating: "We have not worked with Brian, but he's from Dearborn, so there's a personal connection for a lot of our men. Our hearts go out to his wife and family."

While uniformed firefighters stood in rows along the sidewalks surrounding the church, friends and neighbors gathered on their porches to catch a glimpse of the funeral and to pay their respect to Woehlke.

Robin Case of Dearborn, whose 20-year-old nephew is studying to be a firefighter, said Woehlke's death hits close to home.

"People don't give enough respect to the men and women who serve and give of themselves unselfishly. It takes a special person to be a firefighter," she said. "If you are spiritual, I believe God had a fire for Brian to put out in heaven. I hope (Brian) is up there watching us."

Woehlke was a new addition to the Westland Fire Department, with about 10 months on the job when he died. He leaves behind his wife, Jennifer, and 13-month-old daughter, Ava.

A fund has been set up following Woehlke's death. Contributions to the "Brian Woehlke Charity" may be made to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity, P.O. Box 851320, Westland, MI. 48185, or may be delivered to any of five Wayne-Westland fire stations.