Our condolences to the Schaefer family and the North Central Fire Protection District, California Fire Department. Fire Engineer Kirk Schaefer, 36, a 5 year veteran with the North Central Fire Protection District, died Friday, July 27, 2001, as a result of injuries he sustained in an accident Thursday, July 26, 2001. Kirk was filling a brand new tanker at Station 45 when a large pressurized tank next to the hydrant he was using blasted into the air. The tank landed on top of the tanker's cab, crushing it, and falling to the ground 15 feet in front of the tanker. Kirk was struck and suffered major head injuries by debris from the impact from either the tank or the cab of the apparatus. Kirk was rushed to University Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition and passed away the following day. The accident is still under investigation.

     Waking hours will be on Wednesday, August 1, 2001 from 10AM to 7PM at 538 South Madera Avenue in Kerman. Funeral services with honors will be on Thursday, August 2, 2001, at 10AM at People's Church, 7172 North Cedar Avenue in Fresno. Burial will follow at Fresno Memorial Garden at 175 South Cornelia Avenue in Fresno.

     Our brother Kirk left behind a wife, Lilly, and a 5 year old son, Kaleb. Kirk's father is a retired firefighter and his brother is also a firefighter for the North Central Fire Protection District. A memorial fund has been established and donations can be made to: