Submitted by his Parents
May 14‚ 1986 ~ March 5‚ 2008
Bradley was born on May 14‚ 1986‚ in Grove City‚ Pennsylvania‚ to Joseph N. and Deborah K. Holmes. Bradley was born into a volunteer firefighting family. His father‚ Joseph N. Holmes‚ was the assistant chief of the department at the time of his death‚ and his brother‚ Christopher J. Holmes‚ is the chief of the department.
Bradley‚ age 21‚ was a dedicated volunteer firefighter. He died a hero after trying to rescue a woman from her burning home. He was a very caring person. He lived for fighting fire‚ and he died doing something he was excited to do. He joined the department as a 17-year old junior member and became a full-time member in May 2004 when he turned 18. He received many certificates for his training through the Federal Emergency Management Agency‚ Butler County Community College and the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy. He also served as the department’s president.
Bradley was a graduate of the Grove City High School‚ Class of 2004‚ Grove City‚ Pennsylvania. Bradley was a full-time student at the Slippery Rock University‚ majoring in computer science. He also was employed at Wal-Mart as a clerk at the Grove City store. He designed and built the Pine Township Engine Company’s web site: https://fire.pinetownship.org.
On February 29‚ 2008‚ Firefighter Holmes‚ along with his colleagues‚ responded to a structure fire with possible entrapment for mutual aid‚ along with Grove City Volunteer Fire Department. The firefighters were attempting to locate and rescue a 44-year old female resident from a burning duplex. Bradley and Lieutenant Scott King‚ of the Pine Township Engine Company‚ became trapped on the second floor when the fire conditions deteriorated. Bradley was transported to a local hospital and immediately airlifted to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh‚ Pennsylvania. He remained in critical condition for five days in the burn unit before succumbing to his injuries on March 5‚ 2008‚ surrounded by many friends‚ firefighters and family members.
Bradley will always be greatly missed!
Submitted by his Brother
Bradley Paul Holmes died on March 5th‚ 2008‚ 5 days after he was attempting to rescue a woman from her burning apartment. Brad was severely burned over 75% of his body and succumbed to those injuries in the burn unit of Mercy Hospital‚ Pittsburgh‚ Pennsylvania.
He had 3 years of service with the fire department and had recently become the fire department President. Brad was an expert on computers and managed the department
Forever missed brother..
– Chris HolmesNever forget Bub.. Can’t believe it’s been 7 years..
– Chris holmes10 Years.
– Nicholas HolmesBradley is and will always be a true hero he is missed by alot of people Rest easy brad love lindsey
– lindseyNo greater love than to lay down his life. Brad exemplified this on a day to day basis, always a helping hand, always a wonderful smile on his face. Fly high my friend, until we meet again.
– Cheri PebblesI went and paid my respects to you at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy today, on behalf of The Winger Family. ? You are still missed and remembered.
– Ali CauseyBrad, is a true HERO. He will always be remembered, even as the time passes
– lisa hopmanBrad, it is hard to believe it has been over 11 years. Thank you for being a firefighter.
– Jim and Rachel Richardson