Tarentum firefighter Michael J. Sims Sr. honored 20 years after death

It’s been 20 years since Tarentum volunteer firefighter Michael J. Sims Sr. was killed on the job.

But the sacrifice he made for his community hasn’t been forgotten.

Nor will it be.

Family, firefighters and community members Sunday gathered by the fireman’s memorial at Riverview Memorial Park to remember Sims, a Highland Hose firefighter who died after he fell from a fire truck on the way to a fire in East Deer in November 1999.

The fire ended up being a false alarm.

“He deserves it,” Highland Hose fire Chief Terry Chambon said of the memorial. “Any firefighter that dies in the line of duty deserves it. Their family deserves it. We’re family. We honor our people.”

More than 40 firefighters from Tarentum’s three fire departments, Highland Hose, Summit Hose and Eureka Fire Rescue EMS attended the 1 p.m. service. They were joined by about 30 members of Sims’ family, including his widow Grace Ann Sims.

Attendees listened to speakers, recited the Fireman’s Prayer and placed red carnations in a basket to be left at the base of the memorial.

They remembered Sims not just for being a firefighter, but also a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

“He just really liked helping people. He liked the community part of it,” Grace Ann Sims said.

Michael Sims came from a family of firefighters. Pat Wood, Highland Hose chaplain, said Sims could have chosen to do a number of other things the day he died, but he answered the fire call.

“One of the ways we show our love for others is through service. Mike showed his love for his family by the ways he served them over the years. And he showed his love for this community by the many ways he served the community,” Wood said.

Tarentum Mayor Eric Carter had known Sims and his family since he was young. Carter spoke during the service and presented Grace Ann Sims with a proclamation honoring her late husband.

“For an individual to decide to put their life in danger to protect those within the community, that’s a selfless act,” Carter said. “Mike did that on that day, and his courage and dedication to this community will never be forgotten.”