EASTON, Pa. — Easton has banded together to remember a fallen firefighter and support his family in their time of need.
Firefighter Tyler Weidner, 33, died Thursday while off duty. A ruling on the cause and manner of death are pending from the Lehigh County Coroner's Office.
Weidner left behind his fiancée, Kerry Kozic, and their son Sawyer.
Weidner was born and raised in Palmer Township, son of Kevin D. and Nelissa M. Weidner, and graduated from Easton Area High School in 2010.
He was a member of Easton High's 2009 District 11 Championship football team.
After high school, Weidner got a business degree at The Citadel in 2014.
Following in his grandfather and father’s footsteps, Weidner joined Easton Professional Firefighters Local 713.
A viewing for Weidner will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Morello Funeral Home in Palmer Township.
Calling hours will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, followed by a memorial service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Gethsemane Cemetery in Palmer Township.
Support, condolences
Family, friends, fellow firefighters, and the community at large have come out to commemorate the young man.
On Friday, Weidner was memorialized alongside Palmer Township Supervisor Charles “Zeke” Bellis III during an Easton High football game at Cottingham Stadium.
On Monday, Mayor Sal Panto Jr. held a flag-lowering ceremony in Centre Square in Weidner’s honor.
Online, support for Weidner and his family has been prevalent.
"While we will never understand why this happened or what God’s plan is for us, we know we are here for a reason. To love, support, and to be there for each other."Kerry Kozic’s sister, Kaitlyn Rodogna, on fundraiser page
“The City of Allentown EMS joins the Weidner family and our colleagues at Easton Fire Department in mourning the tragic loss of Firefighter Tyler Weidner, who died suddenly this week,” a post on Allentown’s EMS Facebook accounts reads.
“Tyler was a member of Allentown Fire Academy Class 21-01 and was a student in our EMT program that cycle.
“We offer our deepest condolences to Tyler's family and friends as they cope with this immense loss.”
Last week, Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone encouraged the public to “Please keep the entire EFD in your prayers tonight as they grieve the loss of one of their own, and FF Weidner’s Family for strength during this difficult time.”
A Spotfund online fundraiser has been set up to support Weidner’s fiancée and son and had raised nearly $70,000 by Monday afternoon.
Kozic’s sister, Kaitlyn Rodogna, described the young firefighter as a “dedicated father… the most loyal husband-to-be… compassionate, patient… so calm… always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it.
“It’s hard to describe the feeling we have, knowing the plans that Kerry and Tyler had for their life together will never be able to be. Forever altered.
"While we will never understand why this happened or what God’s plan is for us, we know we are here for a reason. To love, support, and to be there for each other,” a statement on the fundraiser page reads.
Family, friends grieve
On the Facebook page Easton PA Post, Christopher M. Hess stated that while words may fall short in such dire times, family and friends of Weidner were not alone in their grief.
“The call to serve as a firefighter is one of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to others,” Hess wrote.
“Tyler embodied these values, not only as a dedicated member of the Easton Fire Department, but also as a son, brother, friend, and neighbor whose impact extended far beyond the firehouse walls.
"His bravery and selflessness will forever remain an inspiration to all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the lives he touched and protected.”
In a heartfelt post, Weidner’s father discussed the struggles he has faced in comprehending the loss, and thanking the community for their support, urging them to keep his son’s memory alive.
“Thank you Lord for the 33 blessed years you have given me with my son."Weidner's father, Kevin D. Weidner
“Everyone that knew Tyler will have fond memories, funny stories, and now a broken heart,” the elder Weidner’s post reads.
“What I would ask of is to share those thoughts and memories with us at some point throughout the rest of our lives.
“Thank you Lord for the 33 blessed years you have given me with my son.
“So for now. All you that new Tyler don’t be afraid to share those memories. And for those who did not know Tyler don’t be afraid to ask about Tyler.
“With all my heart son. I will Love you more than you will ever know.
“Love Dad.”
