Public Memorial Planned For Fallen Firefighter
DEARBORN (WWJ) - Funeral plans are set for a Westland firefighter who was killed this week while battling a fire at Westland strip mall.
Officials said autopsy results showed 29-year-old Brian Woehlke of Dearborn died of smoke and soot inhalation. He also suffered burns.
His body was found in the rubble after the roof collapsed in a burned out section of the shopping center.
Visitation for Woehlke is from 4 p .m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 34567 Michigan Ave. in Wayne.
A funeral mass is set for 11 a.m. Monday at Divine Child Catholic Church, 1055 N. Silvery Lane in Dearborn. Following the service, a formal firefighter procession will travel to St. Hedwigs Cemetery, 23755 Military in Dearborn.
All the events are open to the public.
Woehlke, who leaves behind a wife and a 1-year-old daughter, had only been on the job at the Westland Fire Department for about 10 months.
A memorial fund has been established to help Woehlke's family. Get the details here.
Woehlke is said to be the first firefighter in Westland to die in the line of duty. The fire remains under investigation.
