By FireRescue1 Staff
Video courtesy of The Scranton Times-Tribune |
SCRANTON, Pa. — Thousands of people turned out Thursday for the funeral of fallen firefighter James Robeson.
Capt. Robeson, 50, was electrocuted while tackling a house fire in Scranton, Pa., Sunday.
The 25-year veteran suffered the fatal shock when the bucket lift of a fire truck came too close to a live power line.
Hundreds of firefighters from across the country headed to Scranton to take part in a procession for the fallen brother, followed by a funeral service at St. Patrick’s Church.
They were joined on the streets by hundreds of city residents, who had been urged by city officials and union leaders to line the route of the funeral procession.
All of the city’s firefighters were able to attend the funeral after crews from neighboring departments offered to cover their shifts.
Capt. Robeson was the first firefighter to be killed in the line of duty in Scranton for more than 25 years.
Two elderly residents died in Sunday’s house fire.
It was later reported that the Scranton Fire Department and an electrical utility apparently had a breakdown in communication prior to Capt. Robeson’s death.
| Related Resources: The Times-Tribune coverage: Timeline: Capt. James Robeson is laid to rest |