Our condolences to the Hess family, the West End Fire and Rescue Company, and the Fannett Metal Fire Department of Pennsylvania. Lieutenant Keith Hess, 22, a volunteer firefighter with the West Fire and Rescue Company and career EMT with the Fannett Metal Fire Department died Monday January 20, 2003. Keith was performing salvage and overhaul on the first floor after a structure fire when a chimney collapsed and caused the second floor to collapse onto three firefighters on the first floor. Cumberland Valley Hose Company Assistant Chief Cory Connelly and FireFighter Dave Ocker were also in the collapse area but were rescued and treated and released at Chambersburg Hospital. Keith was airlifted by Life Lion to Chambersburg Hospital were he was pronounced dead.
 

     Keith joined the Shippensburg West End Fire and Rescue Company at age 14 and was voted Rookie of the Year in 1997 and also Firefighter of the Year in 2000. Keith joined the Fannett Metal Fire Department in 1999.

     Visitation for Keith will be held on Friday January 24, 2003 3-6PM at Fogelsanger- Bricker Funeral Home in Shippensburg. A funeral will be held for Keith on Saturday January 25, 2003 2PM at Shippensburg Area Senior High School. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made to: