Today in Wheeling History: October 29 — Assistant Fire Chief Robert Howard Foster Sr. of the Wheeling Fire Department dies in the line of duty while responding to a fire (1991).
Assistant Chief Robert H. Foster Sr., age 54, was a respected veteran of the Wheeling Fire Department whose life was tragically cut short on October 29, 1991, during a fire response. On that day, Foster radioed that he was entering a burning building through an overhead garage door. When fellow firefighters lost contact with him, they began a search and found him inside the garage near a vehicle. Despite rescue efforts, Foster succumbed to the conditions inside the structure.
His death marked a profound loss for the department and the Wheeling community. Foster’s badge number, 4, was retired in his honor and now appears on a commemorative plaque at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Heritage Port. Each year on October 29, the Wheeling Fire Department holds a remembrance ceremony to honor Foster and other firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The event includes a bell-ringing tribute, readings of fallen names, and reflections on the sacrifices made by first responders.
Foster’s legacy continues to inspire generations of firefighters in Wheeling and beyond. His service exemplifies courage, dedication, and the enduring bond among those who risk their lives to protect others.
To learn more: Wheeling Fallen Firefighter Memorial (https://tinyurl.com/mvjb2yc7), The Intelligencer – Wheeling Firefighters Honor Robert Foster (https://tinyurl.com/mrx2h4jj), WTRF – Annual Memorial Ceremony Honors Foster (https://tinyurl.com/3bxtj7nf), River News – Wheeling Firefighters’ Ceremony (https://tinyurl.com/yfevyhs6), Fire Service Line of Duty Deaths – Facebook Post (https://tinyurl.com/yhfy5jdu), Find a Grave (https://tinyurl.com/4n3k7mfz)
Photo credits: Find a Grave, City of Wheeling
Assistant Chief Robert H. Foster Sr., age 54, was a respected veteran of the Wheeling Fire Department whose life was tragically cut short on October 29, 1991, during a fire response. On that day, Foster radioed that he was entering a burning building through an overhead garage door. When fellow firefighters lost contact with him, they began a search and found him inside the garage near a vehicle. Despite rescue efforts, Foster succumbed to the conditions inside the structure.
His death marked a profound loss for the department and the Wheeling community. Foster’s badge number, 4, was retired in his honor and now appears on a commemorative plaque at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Heritage Port. Each year on October 29, the Wheeling Fire Department holds a remembrance ceremony to honor Foster and other firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The event includes a bell-ringing tribute, readings of fallen names, and reflections on the sacrifices made by first responders.
Foster’s legacy continues to inspire generations of firefighters in Wheeling and beyond. His service exemplifies courage, dedication, and the enduring bond among those who risk their lives to protect others.
To learn more: Wheeling Fallen Firefighter Memorial (https://tinyurl.com/mvjb2yc7), The Intelligencer – Wheeling Firefighters Honor Robert Foster (https://tinyurl.com/mrx2h4jj), WTRF – Annual Memorial Ceremony Honors Foster (https://tinyurl.com/3bxtj7nf), River News – Wheeling Firefighters’ Ceremony (https://tinyurl.com/yfevyhs6), Fire Service Line of Duty Deaths – Facebook Post (https://tinyurl.com/yhfy5jdu), Find a Grave (https://tinyurl.com/4n3k7mfz)
Photo credits: Find a Grave, City of Wheeling
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