Former Belmont Hills Firefighter Dies at 69

William "Bill" Shechter, former Lower Merion Township firefighter, 69

 Bill attended Delaware Valley College and the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School for five years but left to pursue his dream of becoming a firefighter. He got his start in the fire service in the Lower Merion Township Fire Department [Belmont Hills Fire Co. andPenn Wynne Fire Co.]. They had many mutual aid calls with the Philadelphia Fire Department.  

After an adventurous car trip to Alaska with his friend, David Silver, Bill applied for and was hired by the City of Fairbanks Fire Department. He enjoyed many outdoor Alaskan activities and decided this would be home for him.

In 1970, he became assistant fire chief for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Fire Department. Bill liked working with the student firefighters and the challenge of training them, maintaining acceptable grades and encouraging their youthful enthusiasm. His favorite activity was planning elaborate training exercises for the department. [Legacy.com]

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bill to the University Fire Department, P.O. Box 755540, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, for the purchase of life-saving equipment that will benefit the community he served. Contributions also may be made online atwww.uaf.edu/giving/gift. Please note, "In memory of Bill Shechter."