Hundreds of firefighters, police officers and paramedics from Fayetteville and surrounding communities bid the 12-year veteran farewell Tuesday afternoon.
Traffic accidents have been the second-leading cause of death for firefighters since 1993. -->The tragedy happened Friday night. While returning from a false alarm, the ladder truck Sharp was driving was hit by a train. The final accident report says Sharp drove around the crossing gate. His view was obstructed by a train stopped on the tracks.
At his funeral, firefighters stood in the aisles and even outside.
"It's a family," says registered nurse Pam Sands. "We work together closely in 24-hour shifts together, and it's just a family. And in time of need, you need friends and family."
Fayetteville Fire Chief Pete Piner agrees. "We are one big family. The camaraderie we have with one another -- we all rally. When one hurts, we all hurt," he says.
In a touching salute, Sharp's casket was placed on a firetruck and driven underneath ladder trucks on the way to the cemetery. Even in her time of grief, expressed her appreciation.
"Everybody needs support in a situation like this," Rose Tibboel says. "We all worry when they go out, 'Whose husband is it going to be? Is it going to be someone else's?'" -->
The brotherhood continued, even as Sharp's funeral ended. Volunteer firefighters from several departments manned city fire stations so Sharp's friends and co-workers could attend the funeral.
The flags at the fire station where Sharp worked remain at half-staff.
• Credits
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