In June of 1972, Hurricane Agnes, struck the area as one of the most remembered natural disasters. There were many days of pumping basements and collapsing walls. A rescue attempt was made on the swollen Pequea Creek to rescue 2 people. During this rescue, Firefighter Dennis Hackman was in a rescue boat that overturned throwing him and a second firefighter into the turbulent waters. Dennis’ body was found the next day.
Firefighter David W. Dunlap, 87, of the Willow Street Fire Company, suffered a heart attack while on duty. In addition to being a member of the department, he was a member of the Lancaster County Firemen’s Association.
Firefighter Franck became ill while operating at the scene of a motor vehicle accident on the afternoon of May 12, 2019. Firefighter Franck was attended to by fellow firefighters from the Willow Street Fire Company before being transported to the hospital by Lancaster EMS.
Firefighter Franck’s life was dedicated to helping others. He joined the Willow Street Fire Company in 1985 and served in many administrative positions throughout his years there. Norm also served as an emergency medical technician with the Willow Street Fire Company Ambulance for several years.
Firefighter Franck is survived by his loving spouse, Marian.
After retiring, Norm and Marian moved to St. Michaels, Maryland, in 1999. Firefighter Franck joined the Saint Michaels Fire Department, where he played a vital role in the department for several years. He spearheaded several fundraising projects for the department throughout his years of service with the St. Michaels Fire Department.
Norm served over 35 years with both departments.
Chief Michael T. Reese, age 53, of the Willow Street Fire Company, suffered a medical emergency and later died on August 23, 2018, after responding to a vehicle accident.
