WEST SALEM, Ohio — A procession of police and firefighters came from across the state to support a fallen hero, as friends and family remembered West Salem Fire Lt. Philip Wigal Friday at the Wooster Church of the Nazarene.
Wigal was killed while responding to an accident. His family said he spent more than a decade serving the community.
“On behalf of the entire Wigal family, I want to thank everyone that is here,” his father Mike said to a packed church.
His father said Wigal dedicated himself to his church and job. His family said he wanted to be a firefighter since 4-years-old.
“Phil was the kind of son that would say, ‘dad, I don’t deserve this. I was just doing my job,'” his father said.
His mother said her son leaves behind a wife and children of his own, and he should be remembered as a humble hero.
“I will be forever grateful that God made me his momma,” his mother Kathy said.
Police and firefighters escorted him to his final resting place, with a procession to the cemetery for a graveside service.
There will be a pancake fundraiser to benefit the family on Saturday until noon at the Ashland fire station.
