ECCFPD firefighters John Foster and Ryan Pesonen present a fire axe to friend and colleague Willie West during a March fundraiser. West passed away from cancer Monday morning.
“He went peacefully,” said Battalion Chief Brian Helmick. “There were 11 of us holding his hands when he left.”
A 23-year firefighting veteran, West began his career as firefighter with Lockheed Missiles and Space in 1989 and became a full-time firefighter with ECCFPD in November of 2002. He was known for his professionalism, kindness and sincere, gentle spirit. In March, friends and colleagues gathered at Veterans Hall in Brentwood to raise funds for the defraying of West’s medical expenses. Expected to draw dozens of participants, the event drew hundreds.
The memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 19 at 11 a.m. at Golden Hills Community Church, 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood.
The family has asked that donations be made to the Willie West Fund in lieu of flowers. Please send donations c/o IAFF Local 1230, 112 Blue Ridge Drrive, Martinez, CA 94553.
West is survived by Jenniffer Piper; Carmen Piper; his father, Royal West; sisters, Sandra Aguirre and Bonnie Showwalter; and brother, Robert West.
For further information, call Battalion Chief Brian Helmick at 925-584-8468.
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