TOLEDO, Ohio — A local fire department has announced details for visitation and memorial services for a longtime firefighter and paramedic who died Monday.
Toledo Fire & Rescue Department firefighter and paramedic Pvt. Sterling Rahe died suddenly on Monday at age 57. His memorial and last alarm service will take place on Saturday.
Rahe, who was known by his nickname "Butch," held several roles with TFRD. While he may not have been a household name, he was a familiar face as the department's public information officer for several years, often working closely with the media to keep Toledo safe and informed.
"He was such an asset to the department. To the community. Just loved Toledo," TFRD Chief Allison Armstrong said. "He and I shared that love of the city."
Rahe was a longtime public servant in the greater Toledo area, getting his start with the Springfield Township Fire Department and serving for over 30 years.
"He has helped shape so many countless firefighters' lives, both personally and professionally," Springfield Twp. Batallion Chief Andrew Sauder said.
Rahe was appointed on March 31, 2000, and wore badge number 189. He was still serving with Springfield Twp. Fire every third night at Station 56, according to Sauder.
Springfield Twp. Fire announced the details of Rahe's memorial and last alarm service. The community is invited to pay respects.
Visitation will take place Friday at Walker Funeral Home, located at 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., from noon to 8 p.m.
Visitation will also be held before the memorial service on Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. at Savage Arena, located on the University of Toledo's campus at 2905 W. Bancroft St.
The memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. with Rahe's last alarm at the conclusion of the memorial.
"Butch loved the fire service," Sauder said. "He embodied and embraced the fire service. He was a fireman."
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