When members of the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department died, Chico Marrero worked with Assistant Chief Carl Persing to make plaques and memorials for their fellow fallen fire fighters and EMTs.
This week, Persing died from complications from colon cancer. He battled the disease three times in the past five years.
āI told him that āI never wanted to work on one of these for you.ā It looks like I had to make one anyway,ā said Marrero, an 11-year volunteer with the department. With the help of volunteers, Marrero made a large poster in memory of Persing, with photos depicting him at work doing the job he loved.
It was placed under glass and presented at a remembrance gathering held forĀ PersingĀ Wednesday night atĀ Dale City Fire Station 13.
Persing had volunteered with the Dale City department since 2001, joining the organization after taking medical leave from the City of Manassas Fire and Rescue Department where he worked for 23 years. He officially retired from Manassas in 2007, but wanted to remain active in the fire service.
āHe was a great firefighter, he was a great leader, a great teacher and a good mentor to people. And he cared about his people, and unfortunately at times he didnāt worry about himself, but worried about other people,ā said DCVFD Chief Christopher Hool.
Wednesday nightās memorial gathering drew about 100 people. Many who attended remembered Persing for the experience that he brought the job.
During his life, he volunteered with fire stations in Fairfax County, Ft. Belvoir, Woodbridge, the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority and the U.S. Army.
He leaves behind two children, a mother and father, a brother and sister and a family of fire fighting professionals who will miss him.
A viewing for Persing will be held Tuesday June 29 at Dale City Fire Station 13, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
His funeral, with full honors, will be held the following day at 11 a.m., at the Hylton Memorial Chapel in Woodbridge.
*This story originally appeared on PotomacLocal.com on Thursday June 24, 2010.
Recent Stories
The George Washington Foundationās (GWF) 38th annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit returns to the Visitor Center at Ferry Farm this December, inviting creative confections with the theme āHolidays: Past, Present, & Futureā.Ā
Several Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS) bus drivers noticed a regular visitor with a shabby coat.
[cottonbro studio via Pexels]The opportunity for public input on Prince William County’s request for federal funding for the Homeless Navigation Center East project ends Tuesday at 5 p.m. According to…
Rappahannock Area Health District and Mary Washington Healthcare Seek Community Input for Health Assessment
Travel to French soil and celebrate with us for an unforgettable evening of delicious food, wine and music.
What better way to celebrate the end of the 2024 wine harvest in style than at the Embassy of France at DCās only official celebration?
This is the Wine Event Of The Year!
Are you feeling overwhelmed by current events, family responsibilities, or the demands of work? If stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion are weighing you down, youāre not aloneāand you donāt have to face it alone. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that lifeās challenges can sometimes feel insurmountable, and weāre here to help.
We offer in person and virtual appointments. Our in person office is located in Kingstowne Virginia.
Our team offers compassionate support and practical tools tailored to help you navigate lifeās complexities with greater ease and confidence. Whether youāre struggling with personal issues, managing family stress, or dealing with professional pressures, we are committed to helping you find peace and clarity.
Sing a Song of Christmas!!!
Join the New Dominion Choraliers for an impressive and exciting concert celebrating the Brightest and Best of the season. Along with the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, the chorus opens the program opens with Vivaldi’s Gloria, a joyful hymn of praise
