D. Scott "Scotty" Warthman remembered

D. Scott "Scotty" Warthman remembered

Saturday, December 13, 2003 a very special man's life was snuffed out in a motor vehicle accident. D. Scott "Scotty" Warthman had passed away at age 60. Our community of firefighting personnel, antique fire apparatus restorers and collectors, and many folks not part of these interests, but still close to Scotty, are stunned.

The beloved Ahrens-Fox Fire Apparatus enthusiast is gone. The "Old Fire Shop" is silent and dormant. No custom gold leafing, striping or front pieces today. The 1916 Fox is silent in the garage. The '48 sits unfinished, as is the barn. It's almost like they stand in tribute to their fallen master. Suddenly things have become so very different - in just a matter of seconds.

Softly falling snowflakes could be seen through the Fourth Section Road Free Methodist Church windows as the big diesel engine slowly powered the Capen Hose Company pumper up to the entrance, so protective of the precious load on board. You see, this was Scotty's "last run." What is it about bagpipes at a fire department funeral that makes everyone cry? I can still hear them playing loudly as everyone stood while Scotty's casket was brought into the church. The music was so moving, and the honor guard so perfect. It was another one of those fire department traditions that Scotty loved so much.

Speakers during the service made us laugh and cry. Past Chiefs Norm Knapp and Larry Vaughan did their homework for sure. Nobody could tell a story like Scotty, said Norm. He was so proud of those Ahrens-Fox pumpers. Scotty prided himself with details and facts, and would begin a story like he always did by saying, "And this is a very true story," and continuing, "during the floods, this old rig pumped water for 13 days, 13 hours, 13 minutes and 37 seconds without failing, fueled and oiled on the job," he'd say.

Referring to the historical good natured rivalry that existed among the Brockport fire companies, Larry commented that Scotty was, "Not a bad guy for a Capen. He was the only guy I ever knew whose eyes disappeared when he laughed," said Larry. It was a wonderful service offering a kind of relief, despite the tears. Afterward people lingered. Refreshments were served, and Scotty Warthmann stories were told. Some laughed, some cried.

Scotty treasured fire department tradition, loved its history, and respected his fraternal brothers and sisters. Attending our old fire truck club meetings without him is unthinkable. He delighted in sharing his view of the romance and golden age of old fire department times.

Scotty was a great organizer. He set a standard and he got things done. He would never give up on a project, no matter how difficult. This evidenced by the Silsby Steamer restoration, the 1930 Seagrave, Headquarters restoration, Station 4 Museum, BFD history book, first president of Genesee Valley Chapter of SPAAMFAA, and the Firefighters 9-11 Memorial.

If his short-portly form were standing by me today as I write this, he would object. Too personal, he would say. But it really goes beyond personal. Around here, people admired Scotty not only for his love of his dear Bonnie and family, and his many talents, but for his stature as a human being.

All have lost a friend, a fire chief from the old school. I will not remember Scotty Warthman for his smile or the stories, but when I see an old Cincinnati-built Ahrens-Fox, or an old fire helmet prominently displayed with one of his gold leaf helmet shields.

Death never comes at a good time. Like a thief in the night, it takes from us what we hold dear. We can never prepare for it to happen. A fire department chaplain at the service told us life is all about relationships, and Scotty's relationship with this writer will always be treasured. I will always remember this special individual working those pump valves on his Fox while wearing that old black rubber fire coat and that weathered white dress uniform hat, with a smile that only he could display.

Rest in peace, my friend.