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For Immediate Release
November 14, 2011
Contact: David Atkinson
717-787-6535

Sen. Lloyd Smucker pays tribute to fallen Firefighter Lieutenant Keith G. Rankin

Firefighter Lieutenant Keith G. Rankin, an experienced volunteer firefighter in Lancaster Township, collapsed and died during a live burn training exercise in late September.  At age 38, he was taken from us much too young.  A tragedy of this nature is always difficult to comprehend and accept.

We pause today to express sadness over his loss, to show appreciation for his exceptional service, and to demonstrate understanding that these essential positions come with risk and hazard and stress, irrespective of an individual’s age and experience.

It creates a considerable hole – in our hearts, surely, and in the fabric of protective services – when we lose someone of his character and quality.  Keith was a family man.  A man of faith.  A trusted, highly capable firefighter.  A devoted, dependable volunteer.  A leader by action and through his instruction of others.  A man of demonstrated courage, having received honors for rescuing a woman from a burning building.

Keith possessed in abundance the enthusiasm, commitment, and leadership that our communities depend on from volunteers.  We are extremely fortunate – blessed really – when individuals such as Keith Rankin step forward and contribute so intensively to serving their community.

Given his record and example, it is important for us to memorialize his life and his work, and to publicly extend our condolences to his family and his fellow firefighters.