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A Final Farewell: Last Call Sounds For Veteran Firefighter Mike Staples
April 21, 2013
Funeral services were held Saturday for Mike Staples, a retired assistant chief of the Atmore Fire Department. He was 51.
Staples passed away suddenly last Tuesday.
Fire departments from across the area took part in a fireman’s funeral for Staples. During graveside services, Atmore dispatchers issued one final call for “F-2″, Staple’s assistant chief radio number, over the city’s fire radio system.
“Station 2 to F-2,” the dispatcher said after emergency alert tones.
There was no response. Just static and silence.
“Station 2 to F-2, this is your last call,” the dispatcher said again, his voice resounding across the handheld fire radios at the service.
More static and and silence, broken by the dispatcher with a “last call” for Staples.
“There is no response from F-2. On behalf of the community and the Atmore Fire Department, it is with deep sadness and sorrow to report that after 31 years of heroism, bravery and service, Mike Staples has completed his last and final call. He has returned home with the Lord to fulfill his new duty as an angel to watch over his family, friends and fellow firemen. He will forever be in our hearts.”
Staples devoted over 30 years of life to fire service, joining the Atmore Fire Department as a volunteer at the age of 17. He was hired as a paid fireman in 1981, and retired as assistant chief on September 28, 2012.
Comments
10 Responses to “A Final Farewell: Last Call Sounds For Veteran Firefighter Mike Staples”
Until we meet again…Rest on our dear loved one. You have earned your wings…
As I was in my livingroom today I heard sounds as if the Last Call was being did. It brought tears to my eyes as it did when i was at the funeral because Mike has been gone 6 days now and it is just something about that Last Call that i I keep hearing in the back of my mind……my cousin,my cousin, I know he’s having a good time in Heaven.
Rest easy Mike … we got this!
To our nephew, R.I.P. A life well LIVED. We will miss you greatly but we will meet again in that sweet by & by. ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS!!!
I didn’t know Chief Mike personally but it was an honor to participate in his funeral. I doubt anyone besides a first responder will understand the significance of the Last Call or the chills it gives.
3-3-3 Chief
You will be missed, RIP
A very knowledgeable firefighter.brought a lot of commonsense to the scene. Chief Mike, You will be missed.
Very saddened by this all i can do is Smh thanks mike ffor a job well done
Thank you. Job well done. Now its time to rest.