'Last alarm'
BILL BULEY | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 11 months AGO
Firefighters salute and a flag drapes the casket of William "Bill" Wright during the opening procession of his memorial service at North Idaho College's Boswell Hall.
The casket of William "Bill" Wright rests on the stage of Schuler Performing Arts Center at North Idaho College and Timberlake Fire Protection District personnel stand during Wright's memorial service Saturday.
William "Bill" Wright's fire gear is carried out during the final procession at his memorial service at North Idaho College on Saturday.
Bill Buley covers the city of Coeur d'Alene for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He has worked here since January 2020, after spending seven years on Kauai as editor-in-chief of The Garden Island newspaper. He enjoys running. | January 16, 2022 1:06 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — William “Bill” Wright was a simple man.
He gave respect and expected it in return.
He loved and received love.
He laughed often and encouraged others to do the same.
“He had a profound faith in God, family and country,” said his daughter, Angie Riggsby.
Wright, division chief with the Timberlake Fire Protection District, died Dec. 24. He was 79.
He started as a volunteer firefighter more than two decades ago, then added EMT and worked his way up to division chief. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and described as a man who protected and nurtured his families — at home and at the fire station.
He was honored during an emotional memorial service Saturday at North Idaho College’s Boswell Hall.
About 200 people, many firefighters from throughout the area, attended the ceremony that included the Posting of the Colors, flag presentation and a last call during a bell ceremony.
“Our brother, Division Chief Bill Wright, has completed his task. His duties well done, he has given his best,” said Timberlake Division Chief Cory Thatcher. “For him, his last alarm. He has gone home.”
Wright’s was considered a line of duty death, and he received the attributes that go with it.
“That person is given every possible honor that we can give, and he deserves it,” Riggsby said.
The sound of bagpipes filled the air with the song “Going Home” during the opening procession and closed with “Amazing Grace” as firefighters saluted the passing casket on its way, escorted by a procession of emergency vehicles, to its final resting place in Athol.
In between, the ceremony paid tribute to a humble man who touched many lives and did his best to set a good example in all aspects of life.
“He loves you, respects you, as much as you love and respect him,” Riggsby said to members of the Timberlake Fire Protection District. “And he would do anything for any one of you.”
She thanked them for both serving with and laughing with her father, and thanked them for their support since his death.
“Even though your own heart aches, you have stepped up to help us at this time," she said.
Riggsby said during a stressful time, she called her father and asked what she should do to get through it. His advice was this: Pray daily, read scripture, and "watch something funny."
"You need to laugh," he told her.
She did as told. It helped.
Thatcher said Timberlake fire personnel could do one more thing to honor the memory of Bill Wright: Treat every alarm as a chance to respond when others are in need, a chance to help the community and people.
“That’s what he would want,” Thatcher said.
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