Submitted by his family
Keith Hess‚ known to his family and friends as son‚ brother and now hero‚ was one of the kindest‚ most gentle men you would ever meet. Keith was killed in a house fire on January 20‚ 2003. He was 22 years young.
Keith had firefighting in his blood‚ a grandson of firefighters. He lived and breathed firefighting. Keith was a paid firefighter for the Fannet-Metal Fire Department and once he left his work he would drive to West End Fire & Rescue (WEFR) where was a volunteer. On that drive home he would check in with his parents and sister to see what was going on that night. There were very few nights when we missed seeing each other.
Keith played a large role in his community with his volunteer work. Keith was a Lieutenant at WEFR‚ and he played a large part in the Child’s Dream Weekend‚ as well as most other community functions. Keith was always willing to help with everything and he respected both young and old members‚ and they respected him just the same. Keith earned honors as Rookie of the Year and Firefighter of the Year for WEFR.
Keith also enjoyed hunting‚ riding his four-wheeler‚ driving his 1984 Dodge Ram pick-up which he totally restored‚ and spending time with his family.
Keith is missed each and every minute of every day. Keith was supported‚ wholeheartedly‚ by his parents Bob and Judy‚ his sister Chrissy‚ and his brother-in-law Lance. We were always proud of Keith with each and every goal he accomplished‚ no matter how big or small. We are so proud of the person Keith had become. He was a respected firefighter‚ a wonderful son and brother‚ and a caring‚ honest man who touched more lives than we can begin to imagine.
Keith is survived by his proud parents Robert and Judith Hess‚ his sister and brother-in-law Chrissy and Lance Hoover‚ and his niece Laci Renea Hoover (who he never had the chance to meet or hold). All of Keith’s surviving family reside in Shippensburg‚ Pennsylvania.
A memorial fund has been established in Keith’s name. The memorial fund provides scholarships to young men and women who wish to pursue a career in Fire Service or in the medical field. The memorial fund also contributes money to the Child’s Dream Weekend‚ a program that Keith supported and participated in every year. Money for the fund is raised through a memorial golf tournament in Keith’s memory. Keith’s passion and spirit will live forever!
All of us at West End Fire & Rescue miss Keith. He was a great influence on all of us. We miss his smiling face everyday. But we all know that he is with us everytime the engine leaves the firehouse.
– Jessica Goshorn