Longtime Cranberry fireman dies
CRANBERRY TWP — For nearly 60 years, Ray Wetzel welcomed new members of the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company with a grin. He served both his community and his church. He inspired joy and confidence in those with whom he spoke.
Wetzel served as the fire company's president twice, worked his way through the ranks to assistant chief and for years served on the township's police council. He worked with the volunteer ambulance corps — the modern ambulance service's forerunner — and was named citizen of the year in 2006.
After six decades of service to his neighbors, Wetzel died Sunday at age 92. On Thursday, a score of Cranberry firefighters attended Wetzel's funeral at Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church to honor and respect his contributions.
"The fire company was founded in 1959, so (he was) a pretty early member, a pretty formative member," said Bruce Hezlep of the fire company. "If you were involved in public safety in those years, Ray Wetzel was a big part of it. We're fortunate to have him serve for so long."
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