Our condolences to the Heminger family, the Woilatewicz family, and the Wood River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department of Nebraska. Captain Robert Heminger, 39, a 20 year veteran of the Wood River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department died Sunday February 15, 2004. Captain Kenny Woilatewicz, 38, also a veteran of the Wood River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department died Tuesday February 17, 2004. Robert and Kenny were first on scene and performing search and rescue for a trapped elderly woman at an early morning single family structure fire on Saturday February 14, 2004. Both firefighters were trapped when the roof of the room they were searching collapsed. They were rescued by a Wood River RIT team and rushed to Saint Francis Medical Center where they were listed in critical condition. Robert died early the next morning and Kenny died the following afternoon. The trapped occupant, Anna Carrig, 73, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Our brother Robert leaves behind his wife Eva, his son Jonathan (12), and his daughter Lindsay (11).		Our brother Kenny leaves behind his wife Melissa, and his two young sons Matthew (9), and Ryan (4).

     A joint memorial service will be held Thursday February 19, 2004 2PM at Wood River High School. A memorial fund has been established and donations can be made to:

Wood River FireFighters Family Relief Fund c/o Heritage Bank 110 East Ninth Street Wood River, NE 68883