Submitted by his Wife

Darrell K. Michael
Russell Volunteer Fire Department – Pennsylvania
Classification: Volunteer
Rank: Firefighter/President
Date of Death: November 3‚ 2003
Age: 60

Darrell joined the Russell Volunteer Fire Department in 1960 at the age of 18. When the fire whistle blew‚ Darrell was out the door and jumping into a fire truck or ambulance‚ whatever the need.

The members of the Russell Volunteer Fire Department purchased new land to build a new fire hall; Darrell was instrumental in the financial planning and construction for the new fire hall. He devoted many‚ many hours working on the new building; he was dubbed ‘the push behind the paintbrush’.

Darrell was totally devoted to the success of the department. He served the department as Fire Chief for 10 years‚ as ambulance secretary for 17 years‚ as a building trustee‚ he was on the bingo committee; never missed working Bingo on Tuesday nights. Darrell’s final service was President of the department. Darrell was honored as ‘Firefighter of the Year’ voted by the members. When there was something going on at the fire hall‚ Darrell was part of it.

Darrell put in motion plans to pay off the fire hall mortgage; something he felt strongly about. The mortgage was satisfied in March‚ 2004 after his death at a special mortgage burning ceremony at the Russell Fire Hall.

Darrell was an active member of the Russell United Methodist Church. He served as head trustee and as a member of the steering committee for the building project ‘Find Us Faithful’. He was voted ‘Man of the Year’ by members of the Russell United Methodist Church.

Darrell retired from the Warren County School District with 30 years of service.

Darrell’s family was very important to him. He is survived by his wife‚ Kathy of 36 years and four wonderful and caring daughters and son-in-laws: Angela and Pat Hamilton‚ Jennifer and Steve Johnson‚ Sarah and Bill Frederick and Elizabeth and Joe Schmader. Darrell was a very loving grandfather affectionately called Papa by Jacob‚ Jared and Justin Hamilton; Samantha Schmader‚ Rachel and Abby Frederick.His passing left a hole in the heart of his family‚ members of the fire department‚ many friends and extended family and the community he served.