Firefighter Keith Farr, age 24, of the Avon Fire Department died while fighting a fire in a tavern near the firehouse on January 23, 1983.
Keith helped rescue of several people who were trapped on the second floor roof who were in the apartments over the tavern. After bringing them to safety, he took a hoseline in the front door to attack the fire. He fell through a hole that had burned through the floor into the basement.
He was wedged between the joists. Firefighters worked for an hour to free him, with no results. His SCBA was damaged in the fall, and after three changes of bottles, he became overcome by smoke. Once he lost consciousness, he slipped through the joists into the water-filled basement before other firefighters could secure him.
Rescuers were able to gain access to the basement and removed him to a waiting ambulance. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital.
The fire was caused when an ashtray was carelessly dumped into a plastic trashcan when the bar closed.
Always my hero…forever in my heart
– JeremiahIt was a bitter cold morning when that strange long siren wailed. An odd feel to the air, and it wasn’t just the freeze. On seen occupants were rescued, fire was still growing, then the time stopped. The chaos grew to a Hurry, many brothers ran about. The best of us shot in determined to get you out. The structure took you down, we thought there would be a chance. Bill, Kevin and more struggled with what was at hand. That was a the time for change , called to the place above. Your honor and pride grows on with the little boy you had to leave. You would be proud “Kit’, He didn’t fall far from the tree. You are missed, we Love you. Thank you for how you touched our lives.
– John W MooreMiss you so much, Kit. You were such a brat when you were little, but you grew up to be a wonderful brother and father. The Avon Fire Dept. meant so much to you. The day you gave your life as a fireman, was one of the hardest days for all that Love you. You have a wonderful son, Jeremiah, you can be so proud of him. Watch over him and his family always. Love and miss you, Kit.
– KATHY FARR ATENLove, Kathy
Happy birthday dad I love you and miss you. Can’t believe its been 33 years there is not day that goes by I don’t think of you .
– Jeremiah FarrIt been 35 years since you made your final call of duty. A lot has changed in these years. You have a grandson that will be 1 years old in 3 day. I wish that you could have had the chance to meet him and hold him. He is wonderful kid I love him to death I know you would have to. I love you Dad and you always be in my heart miss you
– Jeremiah Farr