Report: Multiple Fire Companies Join Procession For Fallen Junior Firefighter

REPUBLIC (KDKA) -- Trucks from multiple fire companies joined the funeral procession for a junior firefighter who was fatally shot in Republic earlier this week.

Sixteen-year-old Parker Hess died Sunday night at the Republic Volunteer Fire Department after a pistol was discharged, and a bullet struck him in the face.

According to the Herald-Standard, Hess became a junior firefighter on Nov. 22, his 16th birthday, but he had served with the company for two years before that.

The Herald-Standard reports that about 30 fire companies joined the funeral procession Friday.

State police say the shooting happened in the Republic Volunteer Fire Department's business office around 4 p.m. Sunday. Hess was in the office with 21-year-old Republic Fire Captain George Matis, Jr., when Matis pulled a Glock pistol from his holster, and the pistol was discharged. The Herald-Standard reports that state police believe the shooting may have been accidental.

Matis was charged with criminal homicide and sent to the Fayette County Jail. The Herald-Standard says he was released after he was granted bond Wednesday.

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