No in-uniform walk-through
FirefighterNation Staff
MANCHESTER, New Hampshire – The New Hampshire Union Leader reports that Manchester Fire Department members will not participate in a traditional firefighter “walk-through” Wednesday for an assistant fire chief reported missing and found dead last week, “given the circumstances” of his death, according to a memo from department officials.
On Sunday, Manchester Fire Chief Dan Goonan issued a statement that at the time of his disappearance Assistant Chief Brendan Burns was under investigation by Londonderry police for sexual assault.
A “walk-though” is when uniformed members enter and pass single-file by the casket. Each firefighter stops briefly at the casket to pay tribute to the deceased.
“Given the circumstances of former Assistant Chief Burns’ passing, the Manchester Fire Department will not be participating in the Firefighter Walk-Thru,” Goonan wrote in the memo. “Any member wishing to attend services in support of the Burns’ family will do so in civilian attire. No uniforms are to be worn.”
The Leader reports that according to Goonan, the fire department will provide pallbearers “in civilian attire.”
“However, we will not be providing a funeral detail, ushers, honor guard or any other services,” Goonan wrote.
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