LODD: Berkeley Apparatus Operator Loses Battle with Job-Related Cancer
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| Berkeley Apparatus Operator Jay Walter 1953-2008 |
Berkeley Firefighters Local #1227 is saddened to announce the loss of one of their brother firefighters in the line of duty. Apparatus Operator Jay Randall Walter lost his battle with job-related cancer April 6th.
A 15-year veteran of the Berkeley Fire Department, Brother Walter was 54 at the time of his death.
Born in Southern California in 1953, Brother Walter served two tours of duty in Vietnam before returning to attend paramedic school in 1977.
He was hired as a paid firefighter in Morgan Hill before joining the Berkeley Fire Department in 1993. During his tenure, he served as as the Berekely Police Department SWAT Team's paramedic, and was also part of Berkeley's USAR team.
Brother Walter was known for his sense of humor and also as a lover of dogs -- he trained his search and rescue dogs. He is survived by his wife, Gerri, daughter Roslyn and granddaughter Madison.
MEMORIAL SERVICES
Memorial services for Brother Walter have been scheduled for Saturday, April 12th, 2008, with a viewing set for the previous evening.
VIEWING-- The viewing will be held Friday, April 11th from 4:00pm - 8:00pm at 17720 Monterey Highway, Morgan Hill
MEMORIAL SERVICE-- A Memorial Service honoring Brother Walter will be held Saturday, April 12th, 2008. The service will commence at 11:00am at St. Joseph The Worker Church, 1640 Addison Street, Berkeley . Attire for the Memorial Service is Class A. The service will last approx. 90 - 120 minutes. CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS.
PROCESSION-- A procession of uniformed Berkeley and Livermore/Pleasanton personnel will step off from Fire Station #5, 2680 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley at 10:00am. (CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS) Uniformed brothers and sisters and non-uniformed friends and family are invited to attend and line in formation along designated areas of the procession route. All those wishing to attend should arrive IFO 1640 Addison, Berkeley between 9:00am - 9:30am and check in with the Staging Mgr. to receive formation instructions (Contact "Berkeley Staging" on Fire White 1 if you have a radio). Please approach the staging area from the Southwest, and you will be directed. Also, BFD requests that you fill out an agency RSVP form.
APPARATUS: Departments are requested to send personnel in staff/city transport vehicles (if possible) to alleviate parking issues. Fire apparatus will not be used in the walking procession, parking will be available on California between Allston and Addison for any department or city vehicles.
PARKING-- Parking is limited in the area, non-uniformed guests are encouraged to carpool and/or arrive early to find spots. Downtown Berkeley BART is also 0.7 miles away at 2160 Shattuck Avenue.
RECEPTION -- The Berkeley Fire Fighters Association, Local 1227 is hosting a reception following the services at Brennan's (720 University Avenue, Berkeley) immediately following the service. There is usually ample parking in this area.
LODGING -- Local 1227 have negotiated discount hotel rooms for anyone who needs accommodations following the reception at the Double Tree Hotel located in the Berkeley Marina. Call their reservation line (510) 548-7920 and mention you are with the "Jay Walter Memorial Service". The rate you should receive is $99/night.
Please check back to this page for the latest. You can also check the Berkeley Firefighters web site -- www.bffa1227.org.
TO LEAVE A TRIBUTE
A tribute page for Brother Walter has been established here at www.caringbridge.com