Firefighters are mourning the death of a co-worker who was well respected, hard working and looked to do what was right.
Rookie firefighter Tanner Rundle was killed in a crash at U.S. Highway 412 and Fairmount Road on Sunday afternoon. He was 26.
"In his short tenure with us, he established himself as a very conscientious, hard worker who was highly regarded by his co-workers," Fire Chief Greg Neely said. "We already feel the void that is left by his absence. He will be greatly missed."
His funeral will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Christian Life Cathedral, 1285 Millsap Road, in Fayetteville.
Rundle, of Fayetteville, had recently moved from Austin, Texas, to work for the Siloam Springs Fire Department. He was one of three firefighters hired Feb. 18.
"Tanner had a great interview and made a very favorable impression on our entire interview committee before being hired by the SSFD," Neely said. "I could tell he was searching for a career that would allow him to have a profound impact, and be a part of something bigger than himself. He found that niche within our fire department family."
Rundle was on his way to work to meet the two firefighters with whom he was hired. The three were taking a city vehicle to carpool to Fire Academy in Camden, Neely said.
Fire Academy is what firefighters take to receive firefighter 1 and firefighter 2 certifications. The certifications allow firefighters to enter structure fires, show proficiency at a fire and learn techniques such as forcing entry, handling hose and working hydrants.
Rundle, who was certified as an emergency medical technician, and the two other firefighters started Fire Academy March 10. They had been making the five-hour trip to Camden and returned home on the weekends. Graduation is set for April 25.
"The suddenness of his untimely death will forever serve to remind us how precious and fragile life really is, and how we must all savor and seize each day as a gift," Neely said.
At 1:55 p.m. Sunday, Ray Townley, 50, of Alma was eastbound on U.S. 412 in a 2013 Kenworth semitrailer and started to turn left onto Fairmount Road, according to a crash report from Arkansas State Police. Rundle was westbound on U.S. 412 in a 2012 Mazda.
The Mazda struck the trailer, went under it and came to rest after hitting trees along the side of the highway.
Siloam Springs fire crews responded to the crash in the westbound lanes of the highway, according to a press release from the city.
"During the process of extrication and vehicle identification, crews realized they were responding to one of their own," the release states.
Cpl. George Enke of Arkansas State Police said both Rundle and Townley were wearing seatbelts. Townley, who was not hurt in the crash, was hauling water for MHC Truck Leasing and was on his way back to refill the tanker.
General News on 04/09/2014