Northeast - Robert Helfant, Master Firefighter, NCPGR Member
Aug 24, 2022 22:27:35 GMT -5
Post by Roy Hankinson on Aug 24, 2022 22:27:35 GMT -5
It is with a deeply saddened heart we submit this Mission Order for one of NCPGR’s devoted member and supporter, Robert Helfant. Many can remember Robert from the Coinjock KOA campground he and his wife managed and arranged for the Go-to for the NCPGR. Robert was instrumental in the 911 Remembrance Rides each year in Elizabeth City, taking part in wreath laying portion of the ceremony.
As a young man he worked for the National Forestry Department and operated a bulldozer, clearing fire lanes and assisting in forest fire containment. it was then he decided his life goal was to be a professional firefighter.
Master Firefighter Robert Helfant joined the Virginia Beach Fire Department in October, 1984 and retired in May, 2010. While with the VBFD, Robert was assigned to the Haz-Mat team, Fire Instructor and as a member of the FEMA VA-TF2 Urban Search and Rescue Team which included the Oklahoma City Bombing and The Pentagon on 9/11. In addition, Robert served honorably with the PACHVRS from 1977 in many roles for over two decades and obtained life membership in 1988. He served as Rescue Captain (chief), VBEMS Dive Team Commander, VBEMS Duty Chief (Field Supervisor) and was the former Technical Rescue Operations Commander (TechObs1) Robert was awarded the VBEMS Medal of Honor in 1993.
Sadly, all the exposure from the fire residue and toxic materials took a toll and ended Robert’s life too early. He peacefully passed on to cleaner forests in the sky after a short battle with Cancer.
Stage 1545
VBFD Station 5
2465 Princess Anne Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Rear Parking Lot
Those wishing to group ride from North Carolina, stage at the Southland Trade, 141 Caratoke Hwy, Moyock, NC 27958. We will go KSU at 1430.
We will stage and prepare to escort Robert’s wife and other family members, a Fire Engine, an ambulance, and possibly other fire apparatus to the VBFD Harry E. Diesel Training Center. This will be a LEO assisted escort.
Upon arrival at the Training Center, we will set the Flag Line for Robert’s transfer from the Fire Truck to the Training Center where a Celebration of Life will take place. We will maintain a flag line until the conclusion of the Service.
RCIC: Roy “Highwinder” Hankinson
757-553-2470
Highwinder747@yahoo.com
CoRC: Ken “OldCoastie” Knowles
As a young man he worked for the National Forestry Department and operated a bulldozer, clearing fire lanes and assisting in forest fire containment. it was then he decided his life goal was to be a professional firefighter.
Master Firefighter Robert Helfant joined the Virginia Beach Fire Department in October, 1984 and retired in May, 2010. While with the VBFD, Robert was assigned to the Haz-Mat team, Fire Instructor and as a member of the FEMA VA-TF2 Urban Search and Rescue Team which included the Oklahoma City Bombing and The Pentagon on 9/11. In addition, Robert served honorably with the PACHVRS from 1977 in many roles for over two decades and obtained life membership in 1988. He served as Rescue Captain (chief), VBEMS Dive Team Commander, VBEMS Duty Chief (Field Supervisor) and was the former Technical Rescue Operations Commander (TechObs1) Robert was awarded the VBEMS Medal of Honor in 1993.
Sadly, all the exposure from the fire residue and toxic materials took a toll and ended Robert’s life too early. He peacefully passed on to cleaner forests in the sky after a short battle with Cancer.
Stage 1545
VBFD Station 5
2465 Princess Anne Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Rear Parking Lot
Those wishing to group ride from North Carolina, stage at the Southland Trade, 141 Caratoke Hwy, Moyock, NC 27958. We will go KSU at 1430.
We will stage and prepare to escort Robert’s wife and other family members, a Fire Engine, an ambulance, and possibly other fire apparatus to the VBFD Harry E. Diesel Training Center. This will be a LEO assisted escort.
Upon arrival at the Training Center, we will set the Flag Line for Robert’s transfer from the Fire Truck to the Training Center where a Celebration of Life will take place. We will maintain a flag line until the conclusion of the Service.
RCIC: Roy “Highwinder” Hankinson
757-553-2470
Highwinder747@yahoo.com
CoRC: Ken “OldCoastie” Knowles