Maryland Responders Mourning Loss of Man Who Kept Them Going
WALKERSVILLE, MD – Members of Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company are used to having things around their station in good working order.
The man who took it upon himself to do those chores – Francis “Sap” Sappington Jr. – was found dead in the station last week.
“We’re really not sure at this point what happened to him,” said Chief Topper Cramer.
An ambulance crew remembered seeing him about midnight or so on the station’s computer. “They figured he was looking for parts or something like he always did."
Cramer said although he didn’t respond to calls, Sap was a valuable member.
“Sap kept our equipment and radios working so we could respond. He was an really electronics whiz and really knew mechanical stuff…”
As he usually did when he stayed at the station, Sap didn’t sleep in the bunkroom. “He would go upstairs and sleep. It was cool and quiet, and he said he didn’t want to bother anyone.”
It was in that second-floor boardroom that a fellow member found him last Thursday evening.
“His girlfriend got concerned when she couldn’t reach him,” he said,adding that members don't oten use the room where they found him.
Cramer said many members don’t realize just how much Sap did. “He handled the sound system for the parade and carnivals. If a light was out on the ambulance, he would go ahead and get the part and fix it. He did so much behind the scene to keep us going…”
Two years ago, the company named him a life member for his contributions and dedication. The Junior Fire Company in Frederick bestowed a similiar honor as well.
On Monday, a small parade of rescue vehicles – some of which he probably worked on – escorted him to the cemetery where fellow responders from Walkersville Rescue and Junior Fire Company carried his casket for a gravesite service.
“We’ve suffered a tremendous loss. He’ll be missed.”
