The body of a Westland (MI) firefighter was recovered after a fire and roof collapse at a strip mall today.
Firefighters responded to a fire at a billiards hall at about 9 a.m., according to the Detroit Free Press (http://on.freep.com/15pTKak). A Mayday was transmitted about 30 minutes into the incident.
The Detroit Free Press identified the fallen firefighter as Brian Woehlke, 29. He had been a firefighter for 10 months.
The public viewing for Woehlke will be Saturday, May 11, from 4-9 p.m. at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 34567 Michigan Ave., Wayne, Michigan. There will be a formal firefighter pass and review at 6 p.m. The viewiing will continue on Sunday, May 12, from 2-9 p.m.
The funeral will be held at Divine Child Church, 250001 Herbert Weier Drive, Dearborn, Michigan on Monday, May 13, at 11 a.m. Uniformed officers wishing to participate should begin staging at 9:30 a.m. A procession will follow to St. Hedwigs Cemetery in Dearborn Heights. Questions should be directed to Kevin Tomaszewski at 313-505-8130.
The fire also reportedly destroyed a neighboring restaurant, says the local FOX Affiliate (http://bit.ly/10r0tNX).
For more information, go to http://on.freep.com/15pTKak.
For more on firefighting in strip malls, consider First Due at the Strip Mall, STRIP MALL FIRES, PART 1, STRIP MALL FIRES, PART 2, and History of a Strip Mall’s Fires.
