Firefighter’s service honored

WARREN -- Friends and family gathered Sunday afternoon to remember the life and contributions of Thomas Bumgardner, who served as a firefighter and emergency medical technician for the Warren Township, Bristol and Champion fire departments.

Bumgardner, who was nicknamed "Bump," died July 31 at age 63, and a celebration of his life took place at the Warren Moose Lodge.

A Warren Township fire truck was parked at the front of the Moose Lodge, with a large crowd at the back of the property gathered inside a building, where a display showcasing Bumgardner's life was set up, along with a guest book for signing.

Anna Bumgardner said her father worked 26 years as a firefighter/ EMT and was known by many people.

"My dad has been a part of many people's lives. We have tons of people here. Friends, family and fellow firefighters," Bumgardner said.

She said the Warren Township Fire Department brought her dad's boots, fire hat, turnout gear and other items to display when people walked into the building.

Bumgardner said people gave her mother, Pam, many photos from which she created several large photo displays.

"The Diles Family Charitable Trust has been very supportive and helpful," she said. "People have told me they will always remember my dad for his compassion and being helpful to everyone. He always put a smile on people's faces. He has always been there for so many people," Bumgardner said.

She said her dad not only dedicated his life to serving the community, but also to her as a basketball coach and her brother as scout cub master leader.

"If he could be involved, he was. Me and my brother Benjamin were very blessed with such a good father who was involved in so much in our lives, We never went without,'' Bumgardner said.

Tom Bumgardner lived on Stiles Street in Warren and went to Warren Western Reserve High School. He and Pam later moved to Leavittsburg, where they had ttwo children who attended LaBrae schools.

"Where we lived in Leavittsburg, you could see the fire station. He told us when he moved to Leavittsburg he went to the fire station to see how he could help and then worked there for 26 years. He started there as a volunteer and showed my brother and I what it is like to be a volunteer. My parents were always volunteers and dedicated their lives to everyone else," she said.

Bumgardner said she wants people to remember that her dad "cared about people."

"He made sure everyone felt welcome. He would give you the time and help. He was awesome," Bumgardner said.

Laura Dillon of Cortland, Bumgardner's sister, said her brother was always a great guy.

"He was always there for you and would help anybody. He was well liked,'' Dillon said.

She said he remembers living in Warren with her brother when they were young.

"It's so overwhelming, all the people here today. Many I remember from when we grew up in Warren. There are many firefighters here because my brother and my husband both worked as firefighters," Dillon said.

COLLEAGUES SHARE MEMORIES

Warren Township fire Chief Joseph Natali and retired fire Lt. Michael Gregory said they always could depend on Bumgardner to step up and help whether on duty crew or as a volunteer.

"Tom was very knowledgeable and taught a lot of the people who came through the fire department. He helped me out when I first came to the fire department. I knew him when I worked in Braceville and then worked with him for 26 years in Warren Township," Natali said.

Gregory said when Bumgardner first came to the Warren Township department, he encouraged him to be part of the team.

"We go back many years from when he first came on board," Gregory said.

Natali said Bumgardner's dependability and knowledge of fire service is what made him so successful.

"He was a true family guy who treated everyone with respect whether he knew you or not. He was a great all around guy," Natali said.

He said he can remember Bumgardner doing driver's training of the fire vehicles with the new members.

"He was there to help them with whatever they needed help with," Natali said.

He said Bumgardner was always available to volunteer his time when he wasn't working shifts.

Dan and Jessica Jaros of Braceville worked with Bumgardner at the Warren Township Fire Department.

"There will always be a lot of fun and good times of working with him,'' said Dan Jaros, who is now a firefighter in Cortland.

"He was a fun and outgoing guy and always had a smile on his face,'' Jessica Jaros said.