Paramedic Frank Gilbert Injured In Ambulance Crash, October 26, 1996

Click Here For More On Frank's Life
Read Time's Newspaper Reporter Joyce Russell's Articles
About His Life And The Tragic Accident
That Took Him From Us.

May 1st, 1997

Frank received a joyous welcome home
from the city he loved serving,
with a parade, and reception at
Portage Fire Station #Two


Frank passed away on May 29, 1997
due to complications from injuries
received in the accident.

On June 3rd, 1997, He received
his "Final Salute" with 1500 people
attending the services
held at Portage High School.

His firefighter family walked
beside him as he was carried
to the cemetery on a
Portage Fire Engine.

Over 100 pieces of Police and Fire Apparatus
made the journey to
Calvary Cemetery in Portage,
accompanied by the
Emerald Society Bagpipers, from Chicago.

The Lake County Sheriff's
Aviation Division, Eagle 3,
also flew over as the funeral procession
was winding it's way to the cemetary.
Frank worked very closely with their
division and was instrumental in training
the STAR medics to respond
with the SWAT teams.

In our hearts, we all knew that
Frank was riding along in that helicopter,
smiling down on all of us.


Frank Has Flown Home

Fly, Fly little wing
Fly beyond imagining
The softest cloud, the whitest dove
Upon the wind of heaven's love
Past the planets and the stars
Leave this lonely world of ours
Escape the sorrow and the pain
And fly again.

Fly, fly precious one
Your endless journey has begun
Take your gentle happiness
Far too beautiful for this
Cross over to the other shore
There is peace forevermore
But hold this mem'ry bittersweet
Until we meet

Fly, Fly do not fear
Don't waste a breath, don't shed a tear
Your heart is pure, your soul is free
Be on your way, don't wait for me
Above the universe you'll climb
On beyond the hands of time
The moon will rise, the sun will set
But I won't forget

Fly, fly little wing
Fly where only angels sing
Fly away, the time is right
Go now, find the light.
( Celine Dion's "Fly", from "Falling Into You")

Frank is once again singing and laughing, dancing, running and flying....he got our attention.

Click here to read a personal remembrance
of Frank's time in Northwestern Hospital,
written by his very close friend
and spiritual brother Mitch Bright


To Make A Contribution To Frank's Family, send checks to:
Frank Gilbert Jr. Trust Fund
c/o Regional Federal Credit Union
389 W. U.S. 6
Valparaiso, IN 46383
or send e-mail inquiries to:

cmsears@home.com





Final Dispatch
By Christine Sears

I've been called to many duties Lord,
And now I've been called home
I've had to leave the ones I love
To stand before your throne

I'll not complain, it's not my way
But there are some things I'll ask
As I am dispatched one last time
For My final task

And please Lord, grant them to me
For the loved ones I hold fast.
I dare to ask because I know
How you've blessed me in the past

I've learned to trust in your grace oh Lord,
That's how I've come this far.
So now oh God, I humbly pray,
Hear this fireman's prayer.

Bless my wife and family
so often left alone
They knew where I was going
and trusted you to bring me home

Well now I'm home and wait for them
keep them within the faith
That one day, some day
We'll be together in this wonderful place

And oh dear God, bless my friends
with peace and understanding
I've been dispatched to my final call
It's what I've always been planning.

I need to know you're with them Lord
Or else how can I stay
And peacefully enjoy this place
Of endless sunny days.

And Lord be with my community
And keep it safe as it can be
For all it's folks are special
And very dear to me

While I spent my time on earth
I served them best I could
So listen to this fireman's prayer
Grant it please, I knew you would

I hear the tones one last time
Calling me home to rest
Sweet music to my ears
My final dispatch, the best.

Written in memory of Frank Gilbert, Jr.
Dispatched One Last Time May 29, 1997


 



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