Bill Ellison, 38, a full-time firefighter for the Anderson Township Fire Department and a part-time firefighter for the Miami Township Fire Department, both of Ohio, succumbed to injuries sustained at a structure fire on March 8, 2001. During a search, the floor collapsed, sending him into the well involved basement. When rescuers found him with a thermal-imaging camera, he was badly burned and unconcious. Bill was hospitalized for 12 days at University Hospital, where doctors treated him for third degree burns to 50% of his body. Bill stayed with his family long enough for his wife and two daughters to see him, tell him they loved him, and say goodbye. Shortly afterwards, doctors removed him from the respirator. His heart stopped within a couple of minutes.

      From the Miami Township Fire Department: "The love and support that all of you have given to Bill and his family has been inspirational. A man is only as important as he is loved and respected by others. Bill Ellison was one of the most important men we have ever met. With all of you, we will miss him greatly."

      Our brother Bill left a wife and two daughters. Donations can be made to the William Ellison fund at any Fifth-Third Bank branch, or by mail: FireFighter Bill Ellison's Fund, 38 Fountain Square Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45263.

Click here to view Bill's Photo Gallery