By RODNEY L. SHERMAN
Clarion News editor
Veteran firefighter Russell Bartley answered his last fire call around 11:30 a.m. Aug. 22 in Clarion as his cremains were carried down Main Street in one of the fire trucks he helped operate and maintain for 61 years.
Bartley, 83, of Clarion, passed away at home on Monday, August 17, 2020, after a short battle with cancer.
At the Aug. 18 meeting of Clarion Borough Council, a moment of silence was observed for Bartley. Fittingly, as the moment of silence was observed, Clarion Fire and Hose Co. No. 1 was responding to an emergency along Interstate 80.
Bartley joined the Clarion volunteer fire department on Jan. 15, 1959, and his last fire call was on June 23, 2020. He served in many positions within the fire company and last held the position of truck superintendent. He made certain the fire trucks were in good repair, fueled and ready to go.
The family suggests memorials in Russell’s name be made to Clarion Fire and Hose Co. No. 1, P.O. Box 226, Clarion, Pa. 16214.