Wayne Hartness, a local hero who fought fires proudly, lost his battle with cancer in September 2015. Last month, his name was added to a local fallen firefighters memorial.
Those who knew him well said the dedication was bittersweet, noting that while he was well-deserving of a noble honor, it was a painful memory and realization that he is forever gone.
Hartness served the Wooster Fire Department for 33 years. Ten of those, he served as fire chief. He also worked for the Conway Fire Department for 23 years.
“He was a hard worker, loyal, God and family oriented and put others’ needs in front of his own,” Conway Fire Chief Mike Winter said of Hartness. “Placing a name on the Fallen Firefighter Memorial is not something that you ever want to do. However, it is a way to honor and always remember those who have given their life for another.”
At age 52, the Wooster resident and long-time firefighter died of colon cancer on Sept. 7, 2015. While he is forever remembered as a fighter, he ultimately lost his toughest battle. State officials later determined his career caused his death.