The procedure of loading a casket onto a fire truck for a veteran firefighter is always a moving experience. Assistant fire chief Jody Langley (left) and retired firefighter Mike Myers stand atop the engine (E-134) to receive their brother Ed Helt for the ceremonial ride through Washington Court House en-route to the cemetery.
Gail Allen | R-H photos
The procession passes under the flag as a tribute to deceased firefighter, Ed Helt. The flag is being held by the Washington and Jeffersonville fire department ladder trucks on Market Street in front of the Washington Fire department building.
The Honor Guard performed its 21-gun salute and taps at the Washington Cemetery at the committal service for Ed Helt on Saturday.
WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE — The funeral service for Edward Joseph Helt, Jr. was held at noon Saturday at The Gathering Place church. Helt was remembered as an outstanding community member who loved to share his music and talents.
Helt died unexpectedly Aug. 9 at the age of 89. After moving to Washington Court House, and after a few other jobs, Helt took a job with the Washington Fire Department and rose to the rank of assistant fire chief, which was a long and rewarding career for him. He loved to educate local children on fire prevention and fire safety. Helt would go to the schools and teach the early classes personally to share his passion.
After his retirement from the fire department, he continued his career as a fire inspector. His family said he was a “stickler for details, education to the young, and a class act.”
Helt was a veteran of the Ohio National Guard, member of the American Legion Post 25, the VFW Post 3762, the local Amvets, and more. Helt also headed up the Americanism and Government Scholarship program to reward high school students for their knowledge of American history. Helt also gave talks to several groups about the U.S. flag, which he knew so much about.
He played the harmonica and sang for his family, and also sang on WCHO radio “back in the day,” as the family put it. His impact on this community was felt in so many ways through his devotion, dedication, and sharing his talents with many. He was also inducted into the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging’s Senior Citizen Hall of Fame.
After the service Saturday, bagpiper Ed Myers led the procession out of the church to the Washington Fire Department engine for transport to Washington Cemetery. The casket was loaded and the caravan proceeded to Market Street where the Washington Fire and Jeffersonvile Fire departments set up the U.S. Flag in their ceremonial tribute to a person they called “a great man and veteran of their profession.”
Out of respect for their member, and a tribute to Helt, some of the American Legion Post 25, American Legion Riders, led by their president Tracy Nichols, attended the service at the church. They then left to stage their motorcycles and personnel at the entrance to the Washington Cemetery to honor their veteran and friend.
The procession ended at the cemetery with the Honor Guard performing its 21-gun salute and taps, and prayers by Pastor Danny Dodds. Helt will be remembered for his dedicated service to Fayette County, his family, his profession, and to humanity. His family said he always had the biggest smile to share with everyone.
