Captain Will Caviness 2003-2011

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Tour of Duty 3/16/2003-10/9/2011. Will was assigned Captain at Station 14.                               

When Captain Will Caviness died in Chicago, the Chicago FD treated him as if he were one of their own.  Full rites bestowed.   The Fire Commissioner and the Fire Chief helped tremendously with everything and with Sean and Jenny.  

 

A private jet from Greensboro along with two GFD captains were sent to Chicago to bring him "Home".  The Greensboro Airport (PTI) had the largest turnout of Fire, Police and Citizens to greet his arrival (hundreds were there to honor him).  The procession was so moving. Every bridge had fire trucks and engines with flags and lights. People lining Bryan Blvd. Everyone saluting and waving flags.  I still cry thinking about it. He had his last ride in his Captain's seat that night, and was taken home.

 

His funeral was beyond believable. Hundreds and hundreds there and was broadcast on closed circuit as there was not room for everyone.  Beautiful service with full Fire Honors.  I can still picture Kenny Roberson standing their as an Honor Guard and crying his heart out.  Will was loved by many and was truly a hero.

 

His death was ruled a Line Of Duty death by the IAFF and he was awarded the Medal Of Honor.  He is on the Fallen Firefighter Wall in Colorado. 

 

His goal of benefitting the Burn Foundation was far exceeded and went well beyond $20,000.  He was worldwide news on every TV network and throughout Europe and Asia (l had a friend who was teaching in China contact me as he saw the news of Will in China). 

 

He is still honored with memorial runs each year.   The Greensboro Race Series award is named after Will and is awarded every year to the top runner in Greensboro.

 

There is so much that can be said about Will.  He loved people. He loved helping others, and he dearly loved being a Firefighter.  Most of all, he loved his family, wife Jenny, son Jack and daughter Caroline. 

 

Submitted by Lee Caviness

Tragic Death of Greensboro Firefighter During Chicago Marathon (aflcionc.org)

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