Pocono News Section

Long Time Fire Police Captain Dies at Fire Scene

Long Time Fire Police Captain Dies at Fire Scene - Monday, September 17, 2007 at 07:30AM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Sep 17, 2007 @07:30am EST

MOCONAQUA, LUZERNE COUNTY- Funeral services are planned after a long time Mocanaqua Fire Police Captain William McDaniels died after being taken from a fire scene to the hospital over the weekend. Friends say McDaniels was the heart and soul of their department and will never be forgotten.

Black bunting now hangs over the Mocanaqua Fire Company as volunteers remember one of their own who was killed in the line of duty. McDaniels Sr. died Saturday afternoon after falling ill while responding to a fire call.

Mocanaqua Fire Company Chief Mark Smith said, “He gave his last moments on Earth to the fire service and that says everything. He was here for us all the time."

McDaniels, who was better known as "Billy" by his fellow firefighters, was someone who was known as the "go-to" guy who always gave 100%.

“He guided us through a lot of stuff, and brought up through hard times and good times and we were glad to spend our last moments with him on a call and we were honored to have him with us,” added Smith.

Firefighters say McDaniels gave more than 15 years of service here to his community, even serving as past president of this fire company in the mid 1990's. Mocanaqua Fire Company’s Douglas Yacuboski said, “He made himself available when others couldn't and he was a guy to really count on, the type of dedication he had, he instilled right down through his family."

As fellow firefighters polish their trucks they are preparing for a viewing and funeral for someone who was taken too soon. They're asking their fellow brothers and sisters to join them. “We're going to honor him in the best way we know how. I hope all fire departments come and help us,” said Smith.

A viewing for Captain McDaniels is planned for Tuesday night from 6 until 9 at the Mayo Funeral Home in Shickshinny. Funeral services are planned for Wednesday morning at 11. Fire officials plan full honors and ask any other department that wants to take part to call them at the Mocanaqua fire house.