LODD Announcement: Fresno Fire Captain Walter Sickler

It is with heavy hearts that the Fresno Fire Department and the Fresno City Firefighters Association IAFF Local 202 share the news of the passing of one of our beloved captains.

Fire Captain Walter Sickler passed away on August 6, 2024, at the age of 55, after a courageous battle with job-related cancer. Walter dedicated 28 years to the Fresno Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of Captain. His commitment to public service was marked by his integrity, humor, and dedication, qualities that earned him deep respect among his colleagues and the community.

Walter is remembered for his deep love for his family, including his wife, Trina, and their 12-year-old son, Michael. His passion for family life was evident in his active role as a father, often engaging in activities like baseball and bike repair with Michael. His family was his pride and joy.

Walter is survived by his wife Trina, son Michael, sister Heather, brother-in-law Craig, niece Grace, nephew Hayden, and his mother Joan Sickler. He was preceded in death by his father, Elwood Sickler.

Memorial Service:

When: Thursday, August 15, 2024
Location: The Well Community Church Clovis Campus, located at 325 Nees Ave, Clovis, CA 93611

Time: 10 AM

This service is open to family, friends and public safety personnel.

There will be a viewing for Captain Sickler on Wednesday, August 14th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, located at Yost and Webb Funeral Home, 1002 T St., Fresno, CA 93721.

Uniformed Personnel and Apparatus Information: 

Fire Departments wishing to show support are asked to RSVP at the link below as soon as possible.  Please indicate the number of uniformed personnel, number of apparatus and type attending from your agency.

All visiting agency apparatus will need to be parked at The Well by 8:00 a.m. the morning of the service. 

 the morning of the service to participate in the “Sea of Blue”. Attire is Class A or Class B uniform, badges shrouded.

Following the service, there will be a vehicle procession to Belmont Memorial Park Cemetery, located at 201 N. Teilman Ave, Fresno, CA 93706, for a smaller graveside service limited to family, friends and local fire personnel.  Apparatus participating in the procession will be dismissed upon arrival at the cemetery and may continue their journey home with much gratitude from the Sickler Family.

Honor Guard Information:

All departmental and local union Honor Guards are encouraged to participate in the memorial service. Honor Guard members should arrive at The Well by 7:00 am for mandatory practice. Please bring your department or local union flag if possible.

Honor Guards from local government agencies wishing to participate in the service, please use the same RSVP link below. 

RSVP Link: https://forms.gle/YX3WEACaM6ySXNG47

For any questions regarding participation, please contact Robert Garcia at 661-364-3390 or Keola Park at 808-990-7344.