Tonight hundreds of firefighters, family and community members honored the memory of fallen firefighter Mark Haudenschild.
The service, at the D.O. McComb Funeral Home on Dupont road, focused on Haudenschild's service to the community and his roles as a husband and a father.
Emergency responders from across the state attended tonight's service.
The Washington Township volunteer fire fighter died this past Sunday when his fire tanker truck crashed on Hillegas road on the way to a brush fire.
Tonight's service was the culmination of a day honoring Haudenschild.
And tomorrow is his funeral.
Family members say he was always smiling; colleagues say he was always willing to serve.
They all say the community support has helped cope with their loss.
"He was just a goofball, all the time. Always had a smile on, and he definitely loves his kids. The little ones were his life. Them and Janet, his wife, were his life," says sister Angela Starr Haudenschild.
She came from New Jersey for her brother's memorial service.
She says she is amazed by the support of the Fort Wayne community for fallen firefighter Haudenschild.
"He's a hero to everybody here. I walked into a Walmart when I got here and people knew who I was and I was getting condolences from people that I didn't even know," says Angela.
This morning, fire fighters led a processional through the city.
"There were hundreds, if not thousands, of people along the way. There two different schools, the children were standing outside with flags and signs," says Washington Township Fire Department Chief Brian Gillett.
Businesses and service workers also lined the streets in support his family, including his wife Janet and two children.
"It's very important for his family and this department to see the support of the community. Since he fell serving the community, it's important to the family to see that the community recognizes his service and sacrifice," says former police officer Eric Johnson.
Family and friends gathered for a viewing and memorial service this afternoon and evening.
"I think that they've been just the biggest help. Arranging everything and chasing my niece around for me when I couldn't. I think they've been just the biggest help. It's amazing to see everybody who's coming out," says Angela.
"For the Washington Township fire fighters... It's really hit today. And tomorrow's probably going to be even rougher than today," says Gillett.
Family members say they are expecting thousands of firefighters from around the country at tomorrow's funeral, along with the many others who also call Haudenschild a hero to the community.
Tomorrow emergency vehicles will lead a procession to the 'The Chapel' on West Hamilton Road in Fort Wayne for another public viewing and the funeral.
The viewing starts and nine, with the funeral at noon.
At two, they will leave for the Riverview Cemetary in Churubusco for the burial.
The service, at the D.O. McComb Funeral Home on Dupont road, focused on Haudenschild's service to the community and his roles as a husband and a father.
Emergency responders from across the state attended tonight's service.
The Washington Township volunteer fire fighter died this past Sunday when his fire tanker truck crashed on Hillegas road on the way to a brush fire.
Tonight's service was the culmination of a day honoring Haudenschild.
And tomorrow is his funeral.
Family members say he was always smiling; colleagues say he was always willing to serve.
They all say the community support has helped cope with their loss.
"He was just a goofball, all the time. Always had a smile on, and he definitely loves his kids. The little ones were his life. Them and Janet, his wife, were his life," says sister Angela Starr Haudenschild.
She came from New Jersey for her brother's memorial service.
She says she is amazed by the support of the Fort Wayne community for fallen firefighter Haudenschild.
"He's a hero to everybody here. I walked into a Walmart when I got here and people knew who I was and I was getting condolences from people that I didn't even know," says Angela.
This morning, fire fighters led a processional through the city.
"There were hundreds, if not thousands, of people along the way. There two different schools, the children were standing outside with flags and signs," says Washington Township Fire Department Chief Brian Gillett.
Businesses and service workers also lined the streets in support his family, including his wife Janet and two children.
"It's very important for his family and this department to see the support of the community. Since he fell serving the community, it's important to the family to see that the community recognizes his service and sacrifice," says former police officer Eric Johnson.
Family and friends gathered for a viewing and memorial service this afternoon and evening.
"I think that they've been just the biggest help. Arranging everything and chasing my niece around for me when I couldn't. I think they've been just the biggest help. It's amazing to see everybody who's coming out," says Angela.
"For the Washington Township fire fighters... It's really hit today. And tomorrow's probably going to be even rougher than today," says Gillett.
Family members say they are expecting thousands of firefighters from around the country at tomorrow's funeral, along with the many others who also call Haudenschild a hero to the community.
Tomorrow emergency vehicles will lead a procession to the 'The Chapel' on West Hamilton Road in Fort Wayne for another public viewing and the funeral.
The viewing starts and nine, with the funeral at noon.
At two, they will leave for the Riverview Cemetary in Churubusco for the burial.
