CLINTON TOWNSHIP (WWJ) Her fellow brothers and sisters in red received the remains of a Clinton Township firefighter who died fighting wildfires out west.
Members of Platoon 2 took part in a procession to bring the remains of Emily Barker home from Detroit Metro Airport early Thursday morning after she made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting a wildland fire in Colorado along with 2 other firefighters, the Clinton Township Fire Department said in a social media post that ended with "It was an honor to be involved in remembering her legacy. Rest in peace, Emily."
Barker, 38, Nick Hutcherson and Sydney Watson were assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew and were engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire in Colorado June 27th when the incident occurred, according to information released by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help Barker's grieving family.
"Emily Barker was one of those people who immediately lit up a room," the GoFundMe page reads. "She was quick witted and delivered dad jokes just at the right moment. She was a good one. One that would do absolutely anything for you, no questions asked. She loved her job, her friends and her family."
So far, it's raised over $44,000.
A memorial service will take place for Barker on July 14 at Bethesda Christian Church, 14000 Metro Pkwy (16 Mile Rd) Sterling Heights. Visitation runs from 10:00-11:30 a.m., and the funeral takes place at noon.
