From Tim Dodge Verona Fire Department Chief Gerald Pedersen Oneida Co. Deputy Director of Emergency Services

It is with a heavy heart and I am deeply saddened to report that our brother Fire Fighter and Lieutenant of the Verona Fire Department lost his courageous battle with Cancer yesterday. Rob Urtz has dedicated over twenty years in the fire service with the Verona Fire Department. But his efforts did not end there. He also worked with Oneida county in developing the Western Oneida County training center located in Verona and served as the liaison for FASNY and State Chiefs as they held their show annually at the Turning Stone Casino.

Please help in sending Rob off for his last call honorably. Calling hours will be Saturday April 4th from 2 to 6 pm at Ironside funeral home Main St. Oneida. Funeral will be held Monday April 6th at 10 am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Main St. Oneida. The Verona Fire Department is asking any departments wishing to show their respects to line Main St. in Oneida with apparatus and members from St. Patrick’s church to route 5 Monday morning beginning at 8 am. Verona Fire Engine 2 carrying our brother fire fighter and his family (followed by 4 busses carrying family, friends and Fire department members) will take this route following services to the cemetery. There will NOT be a procession to the cemetery as the cemetery can not accommodate all of the apparatus.

Thank you in advance for your support in our time of loss. If you will be attending the funeral Monday or have any further questions regarding these arrangements please direct them to Ricky Johnson @ 762-7420 or e-mail SBFDCAR1@gmail.com<mailto:SBFDCAR1@gmail.com>