The page was repeated three ….

The page was repeated three times with a deafening silence between each call. Following the third call, the dispatcher announced that firefighter Tim Olson has answered his last call. Following the call, fire chief Russ Bullis made a presentation to Olson’s children.

Olson’s casket was loaded into the hearse and escorted by a procession of fire engines and emergency responders from as far away as Mosinee, the mourners made their way to Lakeview Cemetery in the process making one final pass by the Rib Lake Fire Hall. The procession stretched for nearly a mile. Westboro firefi ghters provided traffic control on Hwy 102 during the procession.

As ceremonies go, it was a simple, but moving one and fitting for someone who served their community long and well. “I never had to do one of these before I hope I never have to again. This death has hit the department very hard,” Bullis said. “The healing process will take time but with great community support we will slowly get through this.”