Firefighter/EMT William J. “B.J.” McCale, age 50, of the Vermilion Township Fire & Rescue Department, died on June 10, 2023, after participating in fire department training.
Firefighter/EMT William J. “B.J.” McCale, age 50, of the Vermilion Township Fire & Rescue Department, died on June 10, 2023, after participating in fire department training.
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To know Bill was to love him.. I first met Bill during my 1st Fish Festival working for the Chamber he was co chairman and I knew instantly not only would we be friends but that him and Shawn would be like two peas in a pod if they ever got together. Both of them couldn’t sit still and they just liked to have a good time and bypassed drama. In looking back through pictures I’m still trying to figure out why they hoisted themselves up the pergola and were standing on Bill’s roof but I know at the time Steph and I were laughing at them. Once I met Steph we all became great friends our kids hung out and we enjoyed every moment we spent together. It didn’t matter if we were hanging out on a back porch or in Hocking Hills. And who could forget the trip to Vegas, Christmas Parties and New Years celebrations. Bill was truly one of the good guys. He was a devoted father, loving husband, and a geniune person and friend. He selflessly gave to his community as a volunteer fire fighter and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone. He never hesitated when that tone went off..
– Heather McCordI met Bill through my wife Heather. She was helping with the Festival of the Fish and told me we were going over to Bill’s house one evening to visit. Right away I knew we were meant to know each other. Bill’s ability to make you laugh just by being himself was amazing. From that day forward our families grew up together, well Bill and I didn’t grow up at all. We spent birthdays, holidays, vacations, weekends (weekdays for that matter) together as family. Whenever there was a time for ‘I need some help’, Bill was there when ever, where ever. Bill was an amazing and dedicated fire fighter who earned the respect and admiration of so many in and outside of the community. Bill is my friend and I miss him.
– Shawn McCord