Submitted by his wife

Ronald Holmes was a Firefighter/EMT who worked for the North Platte Fire Department for 18 years. He was 43. He died August 6‚ 2003‚ driving an ambulance on the interstate while transporting a patient to the hospital when he was rear-ended by a semi-truck.

He was on the retirement‚ bargaining‚ hazardous materials‚ and truck committees. While on the truck committee he toured other fire stations to look at trucks. He made recommendations on specifications and equipment when the fire department ordered their fire truck. He was a union member. He had also been the secretary and vice-president of the union. He enjoyed collecting money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the annual Firefighters’ Boot block.

He was so proud when he hired on the fire department. He loved being a firefighter and was excited about the possibility of having a HazMat team. He continued his education‚ attending several HazMat training courses and was working to develop a HazMat team. He helped with the grant applications and purchasing the HazMat equipment. He was temporarily appointed as a lieutenant from August-November 2002. His goal was to become a Captain and head up the HazMat team. He was responsible for keeping records on all the fire hose. He helped train the new hires on the fire truck and taught them to run the pumpers.

His fellow firefighters remember a friend‚ a dedicated‚ knowledgeable firefighter eager to help‚ and a family man. His family remembers an easy going‚ intelligent‚ confident‚ caring and loving man. He was a devoted husband and father.

He served in the Navy from 1978-1982.

He enjoyed Nebraska football and taking his family to the games. He was a big Nebraska Cornhusker football fan. He enjoyed NASCAR and watching educational programs. He enjoyed reading and had a thirst for knowledge.

Ron and I were married 18 years. Our daughter Chelsea is 15. She is so much like her father. My niece‚ Kimberly‚ lived with us. She moved in as a freshman and lived with us during her high school years and two years of college. We think of her as one of ours and her daughter Alyssa is thought of as our granddaughter. She understands that is in Heaven with God. She doesn’t say much‚ but whenever she sees something with the Nebraska Cornhuskers she makes reference to that being papa’s favorite team. She is 5 years old. His face would light up when talking about the girls. He enjoyed spending time with this family. Ron leaves behind a strong and independent family because of his strength‚ encouragement and love.

We miss his smile‚ his voice and hearing him say ‘I love you’ every day. We miss him. He had a big heart and enjoyed life. Ron was my life and my best friend.

Oceans and oceans of love.