By FireRescue1 Staff
HAMILTON, Ohio — On the year anniversary of his death, colleagues and friends of Patrick Wolterman gathered Wednesday to remember him.
Patrick Wolterman, 28, was killed Dec. 28, 2015 after falling through a floor during a fire. His death was the city’s first line of duty death since 1971.
Fellow firefighters, friends and family attended the memorial service; many of whom say they are still struggling with Wolterman’s death.
“We have guys who were there that night who struggle, and we have people who weren’t there struggle. It’s going to be challenge over the next few weeks,” Tony Harris, president of Hamilton IAFF Local 20 told the Journal-News.
Following Wolterman’s death, officials ruled the fire an arson. The owner of the home, Lester Parker, 66, was charged earlier this month with murder and aggravated arson. Firefighters have said they will be present throughout court proceedings in honor and support of Wolterman’s family.
“What Patrick gave was the ultimate sacrifice and we certainly hurt thinking about that … his bravery,” Harris said. “We think about his family and how they have let us into their mourning and that has helped us heal too. Whatever we are going through takes a backseat to what they are dealing with.”
Fallen Hamilton firefighter Patrick Wolterman remembered one year after death. @LarryDavisWKRC reports: https://t.co/Bsr6bCVsss pic.twitter.com/aDV0JK7CqZ
— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) December 28, 2016
#RIGHTNOW : Firefighters remember #PatrickWolterman on anniversary of his death. @WCPO pic.twitter.com/Ae7yOBbkAH
— Kristen Swilley (@KristenSwilley) December 28, 2016